EFCC arraigns seven internet fraudsters before the Federal High Court Benin

By Simon Ebegbulem, Benin
THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has arraigned seven internet fraudsters before the Federal High Court in Benin City on separate charges of  conspiracy to commit felony and obtaining money under false pretence.

The suspects arraigned before Justice P.I.Ajoku are Philip Agbodobri (alias Daniel Karlssom) Peter Sunday (alias Richmon), Nnamdi Obinna, Amegor Ovenseri, Eloghosa Ocikiabor (alias Kristopher Kole), Osagie Aghedo Bliss and Idehen Obabueki Bleek.

The suspected internet fraudsters were arraigned at different dates between Monday 18th, 21st and 22nd of February, 2013. They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

*End of the road for suspected fraudsters

One of the charges against them reads in part; “that you Philip Agbodobri (alias Daniel Karlssom) Peter Sunday (alias Richmon), Nnamdi Obinna, Amegor Ovenseri, Eloghosa Ocikiabor (alias Kristopher Kole), Osagie Aghedo Bliss, Idehen Obabueki Bleek on or about the month of October, 2012 (and 18th day of January, 2013), at Siluko Road, Benin City within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did conspire amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit: obtaining money by false pretence contrary to Section 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under section 1(3) of the said Act.

In view of their plea, prosecuting counsel sought the leave of the court for a short date for trial. Justice Ajoku reserved ruling on their bail applications for February 27, 28, 29 and March 4; and adjourned to April 22, 25 and 29 for trials. The court ordered that the suspects be remanded in prison custody.

The fraudsters were among the twenty suspected internet fraudsters arrested by men of the JTF, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Benin and handed over to the EFCC, January 18th, 2013, for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Meanwhile, twelve of them had been arraigned earlier before Justice A. M Liman on separate charges bordering on obtaining money by false pretence. They were subsequently granted bail.