The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday November 22, 2021 secured the convictions of David Martins and Nobel Emmanuel on a one count charge of fraudulent impersonation before Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State.
The two defendants were among 15 suspected internet fraudsters arrested in Auchi by the Commission through intelligence on their fraudulent activities.
The charge against Martins reads: “that you David Martins ( a.k.a John Trigg and James Maxwell) on or about the 3rd day of February 2021 at Kash Momudu Street, in Ekhei Girls Secondary School Road, Auchi, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court fraudulently impersonated one John Trigg and James Maxwell, a military medical officer by using his gmail address jamesmaxwell4luv047@gmail.com to obtain money to your advantage from one Kong Yee and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 48 Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria (As applicable in Edo State ) 1976 and punishable under same section”.
Upon arraignment, they pleaded guilty to their charge
In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Muhammad urged the court to convict and sentence the defendants.
Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced both Martins and Emmanuel to two years imprisonment with an option of N200, 000 as fine.
The Judge also ordered that items recovered from them be forfeited to the Federal government of Nigeria.