The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully prosecuted eleven internet fraudsters, commonly known as 'Yahoo boys', securing their conviction in Federal High Courts in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and Calabar, Cross River State.

The convicts, identified as Shadrack Eliayere Aburu, Nsukak Iko-Edem Effiong, Chukwudi Moses Chimobi, Olenye Benedict Ikwem, Emmanuel Enoabasi Etim, Mgbato Joseph Obi, Godwin Abu, Etim Ememobong, Charlie Victory Augustine, John Uduak Isiodon, and Enyia Emmanuel, were presented before Justices Maurine Adaobi Onyetenu, Ijeoma Ojukwu, and Rosemary Dugbo-Oghoghorie.

According to court records, all defendants pleaded guilty to the separate charges brought against them, prompting prosecution counsels Ubokudom Enobong and Khamis Mahmud to request appropriate sentencing.

Court Rulings and Sentences

In Uyo, Justice Maurine Adaobi Onyetenu sentenced Nsukak Iko-Edem Effiong to three months imprisonment with an option of ₦200,000 fine on each of two counts. Shadrack Eliayere Aburu received a six-month jail term with an option to pay a fine of ₦500,000 on both counts.

In Calabar, Justices Ijeoma Ojukwu and Rosemary Dugbo-Oghoghorie handed down twelve-month jail terms to five defendants with various fine options:

- Chukwudi Moses Chimobi: ₦800,000 fine and restitution of $500
- Olenye Benedict Ikwem: ₦500,000 fine
- Emmanuel Enoabasi Etim: ₦800,000 fine and restitution of $350
- Mgbato Joseph Obi: ₦800,000 fine
- Godwin Abu: ₦800,000 fine

Justice Dugbo-Oghoghorie also sentenced four other defendants to two years imprisonment each with the following fine options:

- Etim Ememobong: ₦1,000,000 fine and restitution of $70
- Charlie Victory Augustine: ₦1,000,000 fine and restitution of $200
- John Uduak Isiodon: ₦1,000,000 fine
- Enyia Emmanuel: ₦1,500,000 fine and restitution of $650

Forfeiture of Assets

The court ordered all convicts to forfeit electronic devices and other gadgets used in committing the crimes to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

According to the EFCC, the convicts were apprehended following intelligence reports and months of surveillance operations conducted by the Uyo Zonal Directorate across various locations in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.

This conviction represents another milestone in the EFCC's ongoing efforts to combat internet fraud and cybercrime in Nigeria, particularly in the South-South region where such activities have been prevalent.