In a landmark verdict handed down on October 10, 2023, Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of Edo State High Court in Benin City, Nigeria, convicted and sentenced an impersonator, Endurance Agbi, and 10 other fraudsters to various jail terms.
The group of convicts includes Sylvester Osatofoh Ebhoaiye, Edafe Promise, Christian Skinn, Ariomoghwa Lucky, Ogbebor Pricewill, Irikefe Prosper, Odiri Ejiro, Eyengho Richard, Apoi Ufouma, and Enabor Peter Odianosen. Notably, Odianosen received his sentence on Wednesday, October 10, 2023, while the rest were sentenced the previous day.
These individuals were arraigned separately on a one-count charge of personation and unlawful possession of fraudulent documents by the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Endurance Agbi’s charge stemmed from actions between December 21, 2020, and January 8, 2021, in Benin City, where he presented himself as Dr. Odidi, a herbal medical practitioner. Ebhoaiye falsely claimed to be a legitimate Bitcoin trader named Jones Walker between November 2022 and July 9, 2023, in Benin City. Enabor Peter Odianosen was found in possession of fraudulent documents in August 2023.
All the defendants pleaded guilty to their charges upon arraignment, leading the prosecution counsel to request the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. However, the defense counsel sought leniency, emphasizing the remorse of the defendants.
Justice Ikponmwonba handed down the sentences as follows:
– Endurance Agbi: 12 months imprisonment or a fine of N100,000
– Ebhoaiye, Skinn, Lucky, Richard, and Ufouma: Three years imprisonment or a fine of N300,000 each
– Princewill and Ejiro: Three years imprisonment or a fine of N500,000 each
– Promise and Prosper: Three years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000 each
– Enabor Peter Odianosen: Three years imprisonment or a fine of N500,000
Additionally, the judge ordered the forfeiture of several high-end vehicles and mobile phones, which were proceeds of crime, to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Furthermore, $525 in cash recovered from Endurance Agbi during the investigation will be paid to the Federal Government of Nigeria through the EFCC for further action, and the bank accounts of the convicts will be permanently closed.
The journey to their incarceration began with the EFCC’s operatives arresting them based on actionable intelligence regarding their fraudulent activities in different locations in Delta State. The group was found to be involved in various forms of internet fraud. Endurance Agbi’s arrest, in particular, was the result of collaboration between the EFCC and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), triggered by a suspicious transaction report of $12,800 in his account. He admitted to being an internet fraudster and confessed to impersonating Dr. Odidi, a traditional medical practitioner, as a means of defrauding unsuspecting foreign victims.