A 25-year-old barber, Ogudu Matthew, and one Ajayi Osamuyi were convicted and sentenced to three years and two years imprisonment respectively for internet fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a statement said Matthew and Osamuyi were sentenced on Tuesday by Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State.

The pair were arraigned on one count charge of impersonation and obtaining by false pretence by the Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC.

They were arrested based on intelligence linking them to internet-related fraud activities.

Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges, prompting the prosecution counsel Salihu Ahmed to ask the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.

However, counsel to the defendant pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as the defendants were first-time offenders.

Justice Itsueli convicted and sentenced the defendants with an option of a N200,000 fine.

They are also to forfeit their phones and undertake in writing to be of good behaviour.
[ad unit=2]