The Benin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction of two internet fraudsters - Noah Omoregbe (a.k.a Frank Mark) and Destiny Efewengbe (a.k.a William Scot ) before Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State.
The defendants were arraigned on one count charge each of personation and intent to defraud contrary to section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 48 Laws of defunct Bendel State of Nigeria (as applicable in Edo State) 1976 and punishable under the same Law.
The charge against Omoregbe reads: "that you Noah Omoregbe (a.k.a Frank Mark) on or about the 21st day of June 2021 at Yoruba Street, Benin City, within the jurisdiction of this Hounourable Court, did with intent to defraud, falsely represented yourself as one Frank Mark, an American Soldier, and sent scam messages to one Liud Mila via your iPhone X with IMEI No: 354862090120911 with intent to obtain money from her and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 48 Laws of defunct Bendel State of Nigeria ( as applicable in Edo State) , 1976 and punishable under the same Law."
The charge against Efewengbe reads: "that you Destiny Efewengbe (a.k.a William Scot) on or about the 7th day of May, 2021 at Ugbor Area, Benin City, within the jurisdiction of this Hounourable Court did with intent to defraud falsely represented yourself as one William Scot (a white man ) and sent scam messages to one Yaun Tested via your iPhone 11 pro Max with IMEI No: 353926104836894 with intent to obtain money from her and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 48, Laws of defunct Bendel State of Nigeria ( as applicable in Edo State) 1976 and punishable under the same Law."
Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded guilty to the charges.
In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Mohammed prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly. However, the defence counsel, Pascal Ugbome pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy and honour the plea bargain agreement between his clients and the prosecution.
Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced Omoregbe to two (2) years imprisonment with option of fine of Two Hundred Thousand Naira ( N 200,000 ), while Efewengbe ( a.k.a William Scott ) was sentenced to six months imprisonment with an option of Two Hundred Thousand Naira ( N200,000) as fine.
Justice Ikponwonba also ordered that items recovered by the prosecution during investigation be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
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