Rita Odafe
The Federal High Court in Makurdi, Benue State has mandated that a total of N232,396,714.00 (approximately Two Hundred and Thirty-two Million Naira) and a hotel, along with $4,977 (about Four Thousand Nine Hundred Seventy-seven US Dollars), be surrendered to the federal government, following the convictions of seven fraudulent individuals.
According to a release from the commission, this forfeiture was a result of the convictions and penalties imposed on the individuals, who faced distinct one-count charges related to criminal impersonation, money laundering, cybercrime, and obtaining funds through deceit. These charges were pursued by the Makurdi Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The convicted individuals consist of Tamaraudeinyefa Shedrack Brakekebebe, Godday Conference Brakekebebe, Terhemba Josiah Asagh, Nyiter Avalumun Elijah, Ahmed Alabi Akindele, Kennedy Torbem Ayanger, and Hwande Aondooungwa James.
Specifically, the accusation against Brakekebebe states:
“That you, Tamaraudeinyefa Shedrack Brakekebebe, aged 24, while in Makurdi, Benue State, did possess the amounts of N64,762,169.00 (Sixty-four Million, Seven Hundred Sixty-two Thousand One Hundred and Sixty-nine Naira) in your Access Bank Account Number 0106661087 and N102,750,246.00 (One Hundred Two Million, Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Two Hundred Forty-six Naira) in your Zenith Bank Account Number 2650121852, which you knew were proceeds from illegal activities, specifically cybercrime, hence violating Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Act 2022 and subject to punishment under Section 18(3) of the same Act.”
