From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Makurdi Zonal Office yesterday secured the conviction of 22 years old Damilola Adeyemo, whose case had been before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon at the Federal High Court sitting in Makurdi, Benue State.
Trouble started for Damilola Adeyemo when he was arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on the 4th November, 2019 in Lagos in relation to a case of dishonestly making use of the identity of another and fraudulently obtaining money. The convict was using several accounts to defraud people.
Following a plea bargain agreement with the Commission, Damilola Adeyemo was arraigned on a two- count charge for dishonestly making use of the identity of another man and fraudulently obtained the sum of N230,000 (Two Hundred and Thirty Thousand Naira) only which part of the proceed was used in the acquisition of an iPhone 7.
One of the count reads: “That you, Damilola Adeyemo on or about 6th of September, 2019 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable Court without lawful authority engaged in acquisition of an iPhone 7 with IMEI 359465081928295 knowing that the said iPhone 7 was proceed of criminal activity and thereby, committed an offence contrary to Section 18(1) of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 and punishable under section 18(2) of the same Act”.
He pleaded “guilty” to the charge.
In view of his plea, prosecuting counsel, Y. Y. Tarfa, urged the Court to accept the plea bargain agreement and convict him accordingly.
Justice Olajuwon pronounced Damilola guilty and subsequently convicted and sentenced him to two years imprisonment with an option of fine of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira).
In addition, the sum of N230,000.00 (Two Hundred and Thirty Thousand Naira only) which he had refunded during the course of investigation is to be paid back to the complainant as restitution.
The convict shall forfeit the said iPhone 7 to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
