Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court has convicted and sentenced Ogundele Oluwaseun Solomon to two years imprisonment for advance fee fraud.
Solomon (aka Rick Rick) was convicted on Thursday, September 1, 2022 after pleading guilty to one-count charge bordering on advance fee fraud, upon being arraigned by the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The charge reads: “that you Ogundele Oluwaseun Solomon (a.k.a Rick Rick ) between May to July, 2022 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did with intent to defraud had in your possession documents you knew contain false pretence to wit: scammed mails and with different subject matters and pictures in your iPhone 12 pro max number 35672518424441 which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud related offences Act 2006 an punishable under section 1(3) of same Act.
Solomon pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him.
Based on his plea, prosecution counsel, F.O. Dibang, prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly. However, defence counsel, A.S Akinfolarin prayed the court to temper justice with mercy as the defendant was a first-time offender and remorseful for his action.
Justice Itsuele convicted and sentenced Solomon to two years imprisonment with an option of fine of N200, 000 ( Two Hundred Thousand Naira). He forfeited an Iphone 12 promax recovered as proceeds of crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Solomon’s journey to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested by operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC, for internet-related offences. He was charged to court and convicted.
Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
September 1, 2022
