By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of 17 internet fraudsters in Enugu State.

The anti-graft commission arraigned the suspects on November 11 before Justice I. M. Buba of the Federal High Court in Enugu.

The defendants include Augustine Dimgba Ikeoha, Orji Patrick Onyebuchi, Egwu Collins Somto, Echezona Emmanuel Nwoye, Ohazuruike Christian.

Emeli Ikenna, Echebiri Ifeanyichukwu Victor, Echefulam Uche, Ameh David Owenchochi, Tasie Henry Nzube, Ene Ndukaku Chinwendu, Innocent Chukwuemeka.

The rest are Onyebuchi Victor Okwaodu, Ikeja Eyerinbi, Chukwu Miracle, Emmanuel Murewa and Ejike Prince.

They faced separate charges bordering on criminal impersonation and obtaining money by false pretences.

Their offence was contrary to Section 22 (2)(b)(i)(ii)(iii) and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes(Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015.

EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren announced their conviction in a statement on Monday.

Justice Buba sentenced 15 of them to one year imprisonment with an option of N1million fine. They will forfeit their phones to the federal government.

Ohazuruike Christian was sentenced to one year imprisonment with an option of N500,000 fine. His phone is also now a property of federal government.

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