Posted by A Benin court has found two internet scammers, also known as “yahoo boys,” guilty.
On Tuesday, March 28, 2023, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Benin Zonal Command announced that two internet fraudsters had been found guilty before Justice MdotE. Benin City’s Itsueli of the Edo State High Court for fraud.
The defendants, Edebor Francis Tobiola and Okosun Samuel were each charged with one count of offenses that had impersonation-related elements.
In an effort to defraud gullible victims, the pair had posed as foreign nationals on social media sites.
The charge against Edebor Francis Tobiola reads: “That you, Edebor Francis Tobilola (M) sometime in 2022 in Benin City, Edo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud represent yourself on Facebook to be one Moonsik Kwon, a Korean designer and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 484 of the Criminal Code Cap 48, Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria (as applicable in Edo State) 1976”.
At their arraignment, the defendants admitted guilt to each of their charges, which caused the prosecution’s attorney, K. Y. Bello prayed for the court to find them guilty and give them the appropriate sentences.
Tobilola and Samuel were found guilty and given three years in prison with a N200,000 fine as an option by Justice Itsueli.
The judge also mandated the closure of their bank accounts as well as the forfeiture of the laptop and phones that had been recovered from them to the Federal Government of Nigeria.