In a major crackdown on cybercrime, twenty-one internet fraudsters have been convicted and sentenced to various jail terms by courts sitting in Makurdi, Benue State, following successful prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The convictions, delivered over the past week, followed a series of coordinated arrests and investigations by operatives of the EFCC Makurdi Zonal Command, targeting individuals suspected of engaging in online scams, identity theft, and cyber-enabled financial fraud. The convicted persons, mostly young men between the ages of 20 and 35, were apprehended in various parts of the state and arraigned before Justices of the Federal and State High Courts in Makurdi.
According to statements from the EFCC, the fraudsters were found guilty of offences bordering on impersonation, possession of fraudulent documents, and obtaining money under false pretence, all in violation of Section 22(2)(b)(i)(ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.
Some of the convicts were said to have posed as foreign nationals on social media platforms, deceiving unsuspecting victims into parting with funds under false claims of romantic relationships, business partnerships, and investment opportunities. Others were caught with fake email addresses, cloned social media profiles, and fraudulent bank transaction records.
In their rulings, the courts handed down sentences ranging from three months to two years imprisonment, with options of fine in some cases. Additionally, the courts ordered the forfeiture of several items recovered from the fraudsters, including laptops, mobile phones, luxury gadgets, and proceeds from the crimes lodged in various bank accounts.
The presiding judges emphasized the need for deterrence, warning that cybercrime poses a significant threat to the country’s digital economy and international reputation.
The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to intensifying the fight against internet fraud, which has become a widespread concern in Nigeria. The Commission also urged youths to channel their digital skills into productive ventures, warning that the agency will continue to track, arrest, and prosecute cybercriminals without exception.
The successful convictions in Makurdi form part of the Commission’s nationwide efforts to combat the growing menace of internet fraud, often referred to as “Yahoo Yahoo,” and restore confidence in Nigeria’s digital and financial systems.
