The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Benin Zonal Office, today April 10, 2019 secured the conviction of an internet fraudster, Omezi Michael before Justice Demi Ajayi of the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State.
Michael was convicted on a one count charge after he pleaded guilty to the charge. He is said to have defruaded one Mr. S.U. PIN WANG of the sum of $35,000 dollars.
The count reads: “That you Omezi Michael sometime in February 2018 in Benin within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did with intent to defraud, induce Mr. SU PIN WANG whom you met on the internet to transfer to you the sum of $35,000.00 (Thirty Five thousand US Dollar) only under the pretense that the money was to open an account in his name where twenty five million dollars will be paid into for both of you to share a representation you knew is false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.
In view of the plea of the defendant, the prosecution counsel, Aso Larry Peters prayed the court to convict the defendant accordingly as contained in the plea bargain.
However, the defence counsel, Pedro Egharevba pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, claiming that the defendant has become remorseful and has promised never to return to the crime.
Justice Demi Ajayi convicted the defendant and sentenced him to two (2) months imprisonment.
The defendant is to forfeit all assets traced and recovered from him to the victim through the Federal government of Nigeria as proceeds of crime including Toyota Corolla (Black) and Toyota Corolla (Grey) colour.
The defendant is also to pay N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) as fine.