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Court Jails Four for Internet Fraud in Kaduna

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Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,

 

Justice Hauwa’u Bello of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kaduna has convicted and sentenced four persons to prison for internet fraud.

The quartet is made up of Daspan Eric Domshak (a.k.a Batshon Abe), David Awu Tanko (a.k.a Sara Khongs), Emmanuel Caesar Yakubu (a.k.a Jessica Simeon) and Tobi Segun Kazeem.

The convicts were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on separate one-count charges bordering on impersonation, cheating and money laundering.

The charge against Domshak reads: “That you Daspan Eric Domshak (a.k.a Batshon Abe), (M) between October and November 2023 at Jos, Plateau State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, falsely presented yourself as Batshon Abe on Facebook (an online social media application) and in that assumed character obtained the total sum of $250.00 (Two hundred and fifty USD) only and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2) (b) (ii) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act,2015 and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) (iv) of the same Act.”

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That of Kazeem reads: “That you Tobi Segun Kazeem sometime in June 2024 in Jos, Plateau State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court retained the total sum of $150 (United States Dollars) which you knew that such fund forms part of proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.”

They all pleaded “guilty” to the charge against them, following which prosecution counsel M.E Eimonye, M. Arumemi, K.Ogunlade and M.U Gadaka urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.

Justice Bello convicted and sentenced Tanko to two years imprisonment or to pay a fine of N700,000.00 (Seven Hundred Thousand Naira). Kazeemand Yakubu bagged four years imprisonment each or to pay a fine of N900,000.00 (Nine Hundred Thousand Naira) and N450,000.00 (Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) respectively, while Daspan was sentenced to five years imprisonment or to pay a fine of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira). In addition, the convicts forfeited their phones, being the tools of their crimes to the federal government.

It was gathered that all the convicts were arrested in Jos, Plateau State following reports of their involvement in fraudulent internet activities.

Crime

N1.3trn Fraud: EFCC Arrests Ex-Delta Gov, Ifeanyi Okowa

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa over allegations of diverting N1.3 trillion in 13% derivation funds intended for Delta State during his tenure.

Okowa, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, was detained after he voluntarily appeared at the EFCC’s Port Harcourt Directorate on Monday in response to an official summons.

READ ALSO: Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes

According to an EFCC source, Okowa is accused of failing to account for the N1.3 trillion derived from the federation account, as well as an additional N40 billion he allegedly invested in shares of UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

The investigation suggests that Okowa acquired an 8% stake in a major Nigerian bank to support the offshore LNG venture, with funds purportedly misallocated from state resources.

Beyond the LNG shares, investigators are probing whether Okowa redirected state funds to acquire high-value properties in Abuja and Asaba.

Okowa is currently held at an EFCC facility in Port Harcourt as the inquiry continues.

The high-profile arrest comes as Okowa, who was the vice-presidential running mate to Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, faces scrutiny over his financial conduct in office.

 

 

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Crime

Court Orders Arrest Of Dana Air CEO In N1.3bn Fraud Case

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Amid repeated absences from court, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an arrest warrant for Hathiramani Ranesh, Managing Director of Dana Air, who faces charges of fraud and conspiracy tied to alleged misappropriations totaling N1.3 billion.

The ruling, handed down Monday by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, calls for Ranesh’s immediate arrest following his failure to respond to multiple court summonses.

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Justice Egwuatu cited Section 184 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), empowering the court to issue an arrest warrant against defendants who evade appearance.

“The defendant is legally obligated to appear, and the court is authorized to issue a warrant for arrest if he does not,” Justice Egwuatu said, setting January 13, 2025, as the next court date, adding that no objections will be considered unless Ranesh is present.

Ranesh and two Dana Group subsidiaries—Dana Group PLC and Dana Steel Ltd—face serious allegations from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

Prosecutors claim that between 2014 and 2018, Ranesh and his companies engaged in fraudulent activities, including the unauthorized sale of industrial generators valued at N450 million, which had been pledged as collateral in a debenture agreement.

Additional charges allege the misappropriation of N864 million from bond funds meant for operations at the Dana Steel Rolling Factory in Katsina, and a N60.3 million transfer to an external account without authorization.

The charges, filed by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Moshood Adeyemi, cite violations under the Criminal Code Act.

In court, government lawyer Mojisola Okeya-Esho argued for the arrest warrant, stating that Ranesh had disregarded court orders to appear for arraignment.

Defense counsel B. Ademola-Bello challenged the prosecution, contending that jurisdictional issues must be addressed before proceeding with the case.

Justice Egwuatu dismissed these objections, underscoring that Ranesh’s presence in court is required before other arguments can be entertained.

The matter is now adjourned until January 13, 2025, with the warrant remaining active until the defendant is brought to court.

 

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Crime

Gunmen Attack Police Facility In Owerrinta, Female Detainee Killed

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In a shocking act of violence, armed assailants targeted the Police Rapid Response Squad facility in Owerrinta early Monday morning, resulting in the tragic death of a female detainee.

The attack occurred shortly after midnight along the Umuahia-Aba Federal Expressway.

READ MORE: Edo Deputy Gov, Omobayo Ordered To Court Over Refusal To Vacate Office

State Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa confirmed the incident, revealing that the gunmen arrived in three Hilux vehicles and opened fire on the police facility.

“Our personnel successfully repelled the attack,” Isa stated.

However, the attackers resorted to using dynamite, causing significant damage to the building and exposing the detainees inside.

During the chaos, the gunmen attempted to free detainees, leading to the fatal shooting of the female suspect.

Unconfirmed reports suggest she was in custody related to a child trafficking case.

In the aftermath of the attack, police swiftly initiated a manhunt for the perpetrators, employing advanced technical methods to track their movements.

Commissioner Isa announced the arrest of one suspect, who is currently undergoing interrogation to uncover the identities of additional accomplices.

“We are making significant progress in our investigation,” he affirmed.

Authorities are calling on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as the investigation continues.

 

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