Fraud Watch
Yahaya Bello’s Co-Defendants Denied Bail in N110.4 Billion Fraud Case
Court Denies Bail to Yahaya Bello’s Co-Defendants in N110.4 Billion Fraud Case.
Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has dismissed the oral bail applications of Abdulsalam Hudu and Umar Oricho, co-defendants of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in a N110.4 billion fraud case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Reasons for Dismissal
The defence counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN) and A.M. Aliyu (SAN), argued that their clients were due for release from the EFCC’s holding facility, but prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) opposed their release, citing the lack of formal written applications. Justice Anenih upheld the prosecution’s objection, emphasizing the importance of following proper legal procedures.
Background of the Case
Hudu and Oricho were arraigned on October 3, 2024, and remanded in the EFCC’s custody. Yahaya Bello, the former governor, has consistently refused to appear in court for his arraignment on 16-count charges of fraud totaling N110.4 billion.
Update on Yahaya Bello’s Case
During Thursday’s proceedings, Oyedepo informed the court that the EFCC had complied with the earlier order to publish a public summons against Yahaya Bello in a national newspaper. The court adjourned the case until November 14 and 20, 2024, for Yahaya Bello’s arraignment.
Related Developments
The Court of Appeal had previously ordered Yahaya Bello to appear for arraignment, stating that no court has the power to preclude a law enforcement agent from performing its statutory functions.
Fraud Watch
Benin Court Jails Seven for Online Scams and Fraud
Seven Internet Fraudsters Sentenced in Benin City.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of seven internet fraudsters in Benin City. The convicts, Johnson Matthew Ebosa, Marvelous Osayenma, Imoniwe Joshua, Michael Agbowemeh San, Alvin Nosakhare Osareni, Procoius Imoniwe, and Mike Ajufo, were sentenced by Justice A.N Erhabor of the Edo State High Court.
Charges and Sentences
– Johnson Matthew Ebosa: Three years imprisonment or N200,000 fine for possessing documents containing false pretence.
– Marvelous Osayenma: Three years imprisonment or N200,000 fine.
– Imoniwe Joshua: Three years imprisonment or N200,000 fine.
– Michael Agbowemeh San: Two years imprisonment or N200,000 fine.
– Alvin Nosakhare Osareni: Two years imprisonment or N200,000 fine.
– Procoius Imoniwe: Three years imprisonment or N200,000 fine.
– Mike Ajufo: Two years imprisonment or N200,000 fine.
Additional Consequences
The convicts forfeited their phones, laptops, and bank account funds to the Federal Government of Nigeria. They must also provide written undertakings to behave henceforth.
Fraud Watch
Kaduna Courts Jail Seven for Internet Fraud and Money Laundering [Photos]
Kaduna Courts Sentence Seven to Prison for Fraud.
The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of seven individuals for various fraud-related offenses before Justices R.M. Aikawa and Hauwa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court, Kaduna, and Justice A. Isiaka of the State High Court.
Convicted Individuals and Sentences
– Agbecha Fanem Samson (a.k.a Michelle Pfeiffer): Five years imprisonment or N500,000 fine for money laundering.
– Shamsudeen Abdulkarim Alubankudi (a.k.a. Keren Adler): Three years imprisonment or N500,000 fine for impersonation and cybercrime.
– Paul Bukar Wadai (a.k.a. Odd Murphy): Seven years imprisonment or N700,000 fine.
– Onomza Emmanuel Gwamna (a.k.a. Dave Owen): Two years imprisonment or N600,000 fine.
– Godswill Victor Effiong: Three years imprisonment or N700,000 fine.
– Esogban Godtemple (a.k.a Lahm Moses): Five years imprisonment or N600,000 fine.
– Odeyale Victor (a.k.a Candice Weiss): Two years imprisonment or N600,000 fine.
The convicts pleaded guilty to separate one-count charges bordering on money laundering, impersonation, and cybercrime. In addition to their prison terms, they forfeited their phones, a computer, a Lexus car, and proceeds of crime traced to their bank accounts to the federal government.
See Photos Below;
Fraud Watch
EFCC Nabs Two for Money Laundering in Abuja [Photos]
EFCC Arrests Abuja Duo for Alleged Money Laundering.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested two men, Joshua Ndu and Michael Uchenna, in Abuja for suspected money laundering and internet-related crimes. The arrests were made on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Al-Gamji Estate in the Guzape axis of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following intelligence linking them to the criminal activities.
Items recovered from Ndu include:
– Luxury Vehicles: Mercedes Benz E350 (2019 model) and Range Rover (2016 model)
– Electronics: Apple laptop and iPhone 15 Pro Max
– Jewelry: Cartier wristwatch and two necklaces
While Uchenna had:
– Electronics: iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple MacBook Pro laptop.
The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
See Photos Below;
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