A 40 year-old staff of First Bank, Andrew Nwadiashi and eight internet fraudsters, have been convicted and sentenced to prison by an Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City.
Trial judge in the matter is Justice M. Itsueli.
The others are Osawa Marvellous, Etinosa Ogieva, Erharruyi Osaigbovo, Isaac Godstime Eghosa, Obasohan Kelvin, Evans Jessa Mike, Timothy Odion and Festus Efe Iyengunmwena
Nwadiashi was arrested following a petition by First Bank sometime in 2020.
As Head, Non-Financial Transaction at Warri branch of the bank in Delta State, he allegedly disregarded banking policy and debited a customer’s account to the tune of N9.354million.
During investigation, the banker confessed to the offence.
The eight other defendants were arrested following intelligence which linked them to internet fraud activities
They were subsequently arraigned on separate one count charges bordering on stealing, retention of proceeds of illegal activities and unlawful possession of fraudulent documents by the Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC.
READ ALSO:Non Executive Chairman: Araraume urges A’Court to dismiss NNPCL appeal
Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges, prompting the prosecution counsel, I. M Elodi, IK Agwai, K.Y. Bello and Ibrahim Faisal to ask the court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly.
Justice Itsueli convicted and sentenced Nwadiashi to two years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000.
The defendant had fully paid the aggregate sum N9.654million, being the principal sum and interest, in restitution to the victim of crime.
The court convicted and sentenced Marvellous, Odion, Ogieva and Iyengunmwena to three years imprisonment with an option of N300,000 as fine.
The duo of Osaigbovo and Mike were each sentenced to three years imprisonment with an option of N200,000 fine.
Eghosa and Kelvin, each bagged one month imprisonment and a fine of N200,000.
Justice Itsueli ordered that a Toyota Lexus ES 330; Lexus E350, phone, laptops and the balance in the convicts’ bank accounts be forfeited to the Federal Government.
