Etim Effiong
Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City, has convicted and sentenced one Ofure Prince Akpolo to three years imprisonment for retention of proceeds of crime.
The convict was prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission on September 24, 2024 on one-count charge bordering on retention of proceeds of crime.
The charge against Akpolo reads: That you Ofure Prince Akpolo (m) on or about the 3rd day of June. 2024 in Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did without lawful authority take possession of the sum of $22, 297.97 (Twenty-Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Ninety-Seven United States of America Dollars, Seven cent) in your domiciliary account number: 5436344024 domiciled in First City Monument Bank knowing that the money represents proceeds of your criminal conduct to wit: Cybercrime and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (1) (a) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004 and punishable under section 18 (2) of the same Act.
The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him in court, prompting the prosecution counsel, F.A Jirbo, to pray for the court to convict and sentence him accordingly. However, counsel to the defendant pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, claiming that his client has become remorseful for his actions.
After listening to the submission of the counsel, Justice W.I Aziegbemhin convicted and sentenced Akpolo to three years imprisonment with an option of a N500,000 fine.
The court ordered the convict to forfeit his phone, balances in his various bank accounts, being instruments and proceeds of crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria. He is to undertake in writing to be of good behaviour afterwards.
The convict’s journey to the Correctional Centre began following his arrest by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission regarding his fraudulent activities. He was thereafter prosecuted and convicted.