The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, today, Thursday, November 14, 2019 arraigned three alleged internet fraudsters; Obaro James Omemi, Ehizojie Slyvanus Omokhuale, Eghosa Atekha Osunde and a company, Seaonus Global Logistics Limited before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence, retention of proceeds of a criminal conduct and obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of $348, 277.75 and N817, 345, 302.00.
The defendants were allegedly involved in computer related crimes through which they defrauded several persons across the world.
The defendants were also alleged to have received monies from illegal cyber transactions through their Nigerian bank accounts.
They however pleaded not guilty to all the charges preferred against them.
One of the charges reads: “That you Obaro James Omemi, Ehizojie Slyvanus Omokhuale, Eghosa Atekha Osunde and Mr. Jeffery Okojie (still at large) on or about the 24th of April, 2019 at Lagos, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud, fraudulently obtained the sum of $45, 000.00 (Forty Five Thousand US Dollars) by false pretence, property of Rea Katherine Minta, on the representation that the money was meant for payment for goods which representation you knew was false.”
Upon their plea, prosecution counsel, Samuel Daji asked the court for a trial date and an order to remand the defendants in a Correctional Centre, pending the determination of the case.
The defence counsel, Gbenga Adetunji informed the court that the defendants have indicated a desire to negotiate a plea agreement with the EFCC.
He therefore asked the court for a short date to enable the defendants and the Commission finalise the plea bargain agreement.
Prosecuting counsel, Daji confirmed that he was aware that the defendants had made moves to enter into a plea bargain agreement with the EFCC.
Justice Taiwo, after listening to both parties, adjorned the case till November 19, 2019 for possible consideration the plea bargain agreement and remanded the defendants in the EFCC custody.
Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
14 November, 2019
