Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City on Monday, February 21, 2022, convicted and sentenced one Ikuobase Miller (aka Larry Benson) to two years imprisonment for fraud.
The defendant was arraigned on one count charge by the Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC for fraudulent personation.
The charge reads, “that you Ikuobase Miller (alias Larry Benson) between year 2020 and 2021 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did fraudulently personates the identity of one Larry Benson, an American, with intent to defraud one Natasha, a foreign woman, with the intent to gain advantage to yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 484 of the Criminal Code Cap 48 Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria 1976 (as applicable in Edo State)”.
Upon arraignment the defendant pleaded guilty to the charge.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Ozigbu Austin prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly.
Justice Ikpowonoba convicted and sentenced the defendant to two years imprisonment with option of N 200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine.
In addition, the defendant shall also forfeit his mobile phone to the Federal Government of Nigeria and undertake in writing to be of good behavior henceforth.