Two students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa, Genesis Arinze Daniel, and Chinedu Ayogu Christopher have been arraigned on a separate one-count charge of cybercrime before Justice N.I Buba of the Federal High Court, sitting in Enugu, Enugu State.
According to Enugu Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. the degendants pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them after being docked on Thursday, January 21.
The commission said the duo were arrested based on intelligence on their alleged involvement in cybercrimes activities and obtaining money by false pretenses from the unsuspecting victims, mostly foreigners.
An 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 a Gmail account; tombradley689@gmail.com which he used to intercept emails messages and chats.
Genesis and Ayogu also engage in fraudulent online Forex Trading Company. Aside from acting ‘pickers’ for a syndicate of fraudsters, the commission said.
In view of the plea of the defendants, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Ajobiewe reportedly 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 counsel 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 the commencement of trial.
