The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Benin Zonal Office, has 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 bothering on obtaining by false pretense to the tune of $35,000 (Thirty-five Thousand US Dollar) from one Mr. S.U. Pin Wang.
The charge reads: “That you Omezi Michael sometime in February 2018 in Benin within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did with intent to defraud, induced 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 $25million (Twenty- five Million Dollars) will be paid into for both of you to share; a representation you knew was false and thereby commited 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.” .
He pleaded guilty to the charge. .
Following his guilty plea, 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, arguing that the defendant has become remorseful and has promised never to return to the crime. .
Justice Ajayi convicted the defendant and sentenced him to two months imprisonment.
The defendant is also to forfeit all assets traced and recovered from him to the victim through the Federal Government of Nigeria. They include: Toyota Corolla (black colour) and Toyota Corolla (grey colour). He is also to pay N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) as fine.
