By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
A Kaduna State High Court has convicted and sentenced two internet fraudsters following their prosecution by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The convicts, Joshua Ejim and Danjuma Shedrack, were convicted on Thursday by Justice A.A. Bello of the Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kaduna after they were found guilty of offences bordering on internet fraud.
The EFCC, in a statement, said the convictions were secured by its Kaduna Zonal Directorate as part of the Commission’s sustained efforts to curb cybercrime and other forms of financial offences across the country.
According to the anti-graft agency, the defendants were prosecuted on separate charges relating to fraudulent online activities.
Following their guilty pleas, the prosecution urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, while the defence pleaded for leniency.
Justice Bello thereafter convicted the defendants and handed down sentences in accordance with the law. The court also made consequential orders, including the forfeiture of items recovered from the convicts to the Federal Government.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to intensifying the fight against internet fraud and other economic and financial crimes, warning members of the public against engaging in criminal activities.
The anti-graft agency urged Nigerians to remain law-abiding and support ongoing efforts to rid the country of corruption and financial crimes.