The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa, Genesis Arinze Daniel and Chinedu Ayogu Christopher for fraud.
They were arraigned on a separate one count charge of cybercrime before Justice N.I Buba of the Federal High Court, sitting in Enugu, Enugu State.
The defendants who were docked on Thursday January 21, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The duo were arrested based on intelligence on their alleged involvement in cybercrime activities and obtaining money by false pretense from unsuspecting victims, mostly foreigners.
Investigation by the EFCC revealed how Genesis created and operated Google and Instagram accounts using stolen identity of Thomas Bradley, a United Kingdom national based in Florida, USA, to defraud other foreigners.
He also created Gmail account; tombradley689@gmail.com which he used to intercept email messages and chats. Genesis and Ayogu also engage in fraudulent online Forex Trading Company, aside from acting ‘pickers’ for syndicate of fraudsters.
Following the plea of the defendants, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Ajobiewe asked for a trial date while counsel to the 1st and 2nd defendants; I. U. Okenwa moved motions for the bail of their clients which was not opposed by the prosecution.
Justice Buba, after listening to both counsels admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of One Million (N1,000,000.00) each, and one surety each in like sum.
The court adjourned the matter till February 2, 2021 for commencement of trial.
