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The Makurdi Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday, November 4, 2019 secured the conviction of one Orhena Sesugh Bartholomew before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of the Federal High Court, Makurdi, Benue State.
Trouble started for Bartholomew, a tailor, when the Makurdi Zonal Office of the EFCC received a petition from a complainant, who operates Firstmonie Cash Point that belongs First Bank, alleging that Bartholomew came to him to transfer N1,000:00 (One thousand Naira) only to his friend in Lagos, but that he, the operator, mistakenly transferredN100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) to the recipient.
After Bartholomew had left, the complainant said he contacted him to refund him his N99,000, (Ninety-nine Thousand Naira) balance, but that he claimed he was already on his way to Lagos and would not return.
The friend in Lagos, however, saw the money and sent it (the entire N99,000) back to Bartholomewโs account. However, instead of Bartholomew sending it to the agent, he converted it to his personal use and bought a Honda cub motorcycle with it.
The Commission arrested and arraigned him in court.
One of the charges against him reads: “That you, Orhena Sesugh Bartholomewon on or about 15th of October, 2019 in Makurdi, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, without lawful authority engaged in acquisition of a super cub Honda motorcycle knowing that the said motorcycle was proceed of criminal activity and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 18(1) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 and punishable under Section 18(2) of the same Act.”
He pleaded guilty to the charge. Following his plea, prosecution counsel, G. G. Chai-Yakua urged the court to accept a plea bargain agreement earlier reached with defendant and convict him accordingly.
Justice Olajuwon convicted him and sentenced him to two years imprisonment with option of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) fine.
The N99,999.00 (Ninety-nine Thousand Nine Hundred and Ninety-nine Naira ), which the defendant had been made to cough out in the course of investigation was paid to the complainant as restitution. He also forfeited his Honda cub motorcycle to the federal government.
