The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan Zonal Office Thursday, 10th November, 2018 arraigned one Oke Omoniyi Benjamin, 33, before Justice U. N. Agomo of the Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. He was arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and possession of documents containing false pretence contrary to Section1 (1), Section 6 and 8 punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.

Benjamin was arrested sequel to an Intelligence Report received sometimes in August, 2018, alleging that he is into internet fraud and has also defrauded a number of foreigners of their money through fraudulent schemes.

The report however stated that Benjamin used the proceeds of his fraud to buy two cars, and also own a unisex salon known as Signatures Unisex Salon located at No. 238, Ilawe Road, opposite Baptist School, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

At the point of arrest, Operatives of the Commission recovered an Acura TL, 2010 with Registration Number BDG 969FH and a Lexus ES 300, 2002 model with Registration Number EPE 829FJ, two Laptops, two Phones, forged documents and some foreign cheques.

One of the counts reads “that you Oke Omoniyi Benjamin on or about the 27th of April, 2018 at Ado-Ekiti within the Ado-Ekiti jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of 1, 450, 000 Canadian Dollars (One Million Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand Canadian Dollars) through Western Union/money transfer from one Joan Derk, a Canadian by falsely representing that you are one Sergeant Johnson of United State of America Marine  and that the money was needed for preparations towards your marriage with her; which representation you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a)and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006”.

Another count reads “that you Oke Omoniyi Benjamin on or about the 3rd October, 2018 at Ado-Ekiti within the Ado-Ekiti jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud, knowingly had in your possession some documents to wit: online Instagram conversation with one Karen Hart a lady, citizen of United States of America, wherein you pretended to be one Sergeant Johnson of the United states of America Marine, which document contained false pretences and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 8 (b) punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006”.  

Benjamin however pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. In view of his plea, the prosecuting counsel, S. M. Galadanchi approached the court for a trial date.

The defence counsel, C.O. Omukhafe presented a bail application on behalf of the defendant to which prosecution counsel however, prayed the court for time to study and enable him react to the application.

Justice Agomo adjourned till 13th, and 27th November, 2018 for hearing on bail application and the commencement of trial. The defendant was remanded in the Federal Prison, Ado Ekiti pending the hearing of his bail application.



Media & Publicity
9th November,  2018.