" ITREALMS: EFCC docks three varsity students for Internet fraud

Monday, January 29, 2018

EFCC docks three varsity students for Internet fraud

The Economic and Financial CrimesCommission (EFCC), has docked three university students for Internet fraud in Onitsha, Anambra State, reports ITRealms.

The arraignment, which ITRealms gathered took place on January 16, 2018 involved the trio of Precious Onyemaeme , Peter Avwaruroro and Nzekwe Chibuzo Colins before Justice Ike Agu of the State High Court, Onitsha on a cumulative 13- count charge of conspiracy and stealing to the tune of N841,000 (Eight Hundred and Forty One Naira).

ITRealms also gathered that the offence contravenes Section 342 of Criminal Code Law of Anambra State and punishable under Section 343 (i) of the same law.

The defendants, (one of whom was a staff of Moonwalker Connect Ltd, a franchise outlet of MTN, were final year students of Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State) connived with others at large on April 18, 2017 in Onitsha by using some software originating from some Google sites to send phishing mails with the aim of scamming unsuspecting victims who innocently fill forms purportedly from their banks which they use in activating a transfer code on the scammer’s phone.

According to the petitioner whose names were withheld, reported to MTN about his phone which was tossed and they assured him it was to be rectified. He further alleged that it was later restored only for him to be called consistently by a private number who told him to put off his phone that he was being trailed and that it was during the course of this persistent call that he started receiving debit alert on his phone.

In addition, investigation revealed that Peter Avwaruroro, had used his knowledge of telecommunications to effect a “Welcomed Back Package” of the petitioner (victim) who was at Onitsha even while he was at Ugheli and used same to obtain the necessary information required to carry out the crime, just as the trio pleaded not guilty to the charge.

O.J Anagoba, I. Igbinigie and Azubuike Anazor representing first, second and third defendants respectively prayed the court to admit their clients to bail, which was not opposed by I. I Mbachie, the prosecuting counsel, who rather, urged the court to verify whomsoever would stand surety for the defendants.

The judge, thereafter, granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N1million (One Million Naira) each with one surety in like sum who must also be a relative to the defendants and a resident within the jurisdiction of the court.

He further ordered the defendants to submit three years tax clearance of their tax certificate and both the defendants and their sureties must deposit two recent passports to the court.

The judge directed prosecution team to verify the home address of the defendants and surties before they are allowed to leave the custody of the Commission.
The case has been adjourned to April 26 for hearing.


Uboshe Uboshe/GEE

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

No comments:

Featured post @ITREALMS

NDSF@15: Ojo, Adebayo, Nnamani, Ekuwem, Nwannenna, Odusote join DigitalSENSE Hall of Fame - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news! The Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda, Mr. Edetaen Ojo alongside the chairman,...