Benin man Ofure Akpolo jailed for $22,297.97 internet fraud

Ofure Prince Akpolo was sentenced to three years for internet fraud and ordered to forfeit his criminal proceeds to the government.

 

[dropcap]O[/dropcap]fure Prince Akpolo was sentenced to three years in prison for his involvement in $22,297.97 internet fraud. The Edo State High Court convicted him after he pleaded guilty to retaining proceeds of crime.

A state high court in Benin, Edo State, has sentenced Ofure Prince Akpolo to three years imprisonment for his involvement in internet fraud totalling $22,297.97.

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Akpolo was convicted by Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin on September 24, 2024, after pleading guilty to a one-count charge filed by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The charge accused Akpolo of illegally taking possession of the funds in his domiciliary account, knowing they were proceeds of cybercrime. Akpolo’s counsel pleaded for leniency, arguing that he had shown remorse. However, the court convicted and sentenced him, allowing an option of a N500,000 fine.

The court further ordered Akpolo to forfeit his phone and bank account balances to the Federal Government, as these were deemed proceeds of crime.

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The judge also mandated Akpolo to sign a written undertaking to be of good behaviour following his release.