In a recent development, the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought Precious Ojo and Joseph Uduaghan before Justice F. A. Olubanjo of the Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.
According to Wilson Uwujaren, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Ojo and Uduaghan were arraigned on multiple charges related to fraudulent impersonation, obtaining money under false pretenses, and money laundering. Ojo, also known as “Obago,” allegedly posed as an American medical doctor named Peter Gabriel, who claimed to be working in Syria. Using this false identity, Ojo reportedly defrauded his unsuspecting victim, Agata Harasimowicz, an American woman, of a staggering sum of $268,000 (Two Hundred and Sixty-eight Thousand American Dollars) through Bitcoin and Gift Cards. On the other hand, Uduaghan is accused of receiving a total of N170 million from Ojo, which he allegedly used to construct a hotel.
One of the charges against Ojo states, “That you, Precious Ojo, between July 2021 and April 2022 in Delta State, knowingly sent electronic messages misrepresenting your identity to Agata Harasimowicz, an American woman, causing her to suffer a financial loss of $268,000.00 (Two Hundred and Sixty-eight Thousand United States Dollars) worth of Bitcoin and Gift Cards. This act contravenes Section 14(2) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 and is punishable by law.”
Similarly, one of the charges against Uduaghan reads, “That you, Joseph Uduaghan, between March and December 2022 in Delta State, knowingly used the total sum of N170,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Seventy Million Naira) to construct Obago Continental Hotel and Suites, situated at Western Delta Road, Ogharefe Area of Delta State, knowing or reasonably ought to have known that these funds formed part of the proceeds of Precious Ojo’s unlawful activities, specifically cybercrime. This act contravenes Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (As Amended) and is punishable by law.”
Upon their arraignment, both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. This led the prosecution counsel, Francis Jirbo, to request the court to set a trial date. However, Pascal Ugbome, the defense counsel, informed the court that he had filed a bail application for his clients. Ugbome argued that the alleged offenses were bailable, and he assured the court that the defendants would be present for their trial.
The prosecution counsel opposed the bail application, citing the flight risk of the defendants and the possibility of them absconding. Nonetheless, the defense counsel pleaded with the court to release the defendants to him while awaiting the ruling on the bail application.
Considering the arguments presented, the judge ruled that the defendants should be released to the defense counsel. However, the defense counsel must provide a letter from his NBA branch chairman, confirming his membership and up-to-date payment of his practicing fee. Additionally, he must provide a written undertaking that he will produce the defendants whenever required by the court. Failure to comply with these conditions will result in the consequences of a surety in the event of a breach.