The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday May 24, 2022 secured the conviction of Aguebor Osabouhien Kessington and Aruna Charles Destiny before Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City.
They were arraigned on one count each of fraudulent impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.
The charge against Kessington reads: “that you Aguebor Osabouhien Kessington on 31st March, 2021 in Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did with intent to defraud personated yourself as an American actor, Charlie Hunnan on Facebook platform, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 48, Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria (as applicable in Edo State) 1976”.
The charge against Destiny reads: “that you, Aruna Charles Destiny (M) sometime in 2021 at Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did with intent to defraud represent yourself to be one Sexisimon, an American, by sending documents to unsuspecting American ladies through Instagram and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 48 Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria (as applicable in Edo state) 1976.”
Upon arraignment the defendants pleaded guilty to the charge, prompting the prosecution counsel, A.A. Ozigbu to ask the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
However, the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as the defendants have become remorseful for their actions.
Justice Ikponmwonba consequently sentenced Kessington to two years imprisonment or an option of Three Hundred Thousand Naira, while Aruna Charles Destiny bagged two years imprisonment or a fine of Two Hundred Thousand Naira.
The judge ordered that one iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy A12 , one Dell laptop recovered in the course of investigation, being proceeds and instruments of crime, be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.