EFCC Arraigns Seven Internet Fraudsters

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Seven internet fraudsters: Philip Agbodobri (alias Daniel Karlssom) Peter Sunday (alias Richmon), Nnamdi Obinna, Amegor Ovenseri, Eloghosa Ocikiabor (alias Kristopher Kole), Osagie Aghedo Bliss, Idehen Obabueki Bleek before Justice P.I Ajoku of the Federal High Court 2, Benin on separate charges bordering on conspiracy to commit felony to wit: obtaining money under false pretence respectively. The suspected internet fraudsters were arraigned at different dates between Monday 18^th, 21^st and 22^nd of February, 3013. They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

One of the charge 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 18^th 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 18^th, 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.

 At the point of arrest, the suspected fraudsters who had in their possession forty five (45) laptops of different make, twenty eight (28) telephone sets, eight (8) internet mobile modems and one Nissan car with registration number USL 375 AG at the point of arrest includes: Idehen Obabueki, Adesa Lucky, Usuagu Uche, Eloghosa Olikiabor, Larry Edomwonyi, Amowie Maike, Francis Ezegbede, Itua Samuel and Endurance John Egbeifo. Others are Amegor Ovenseri, Iyen Ighodaro, Philip Agbodori, Lucky Robinson, Nnadi Obinna, Osabuohien Osahon, Chinenu Eze, Peter Sunday, Solomon Ogu, Niyi Femi and Osagie Aghedo.