PORT HARCOURT — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday, May 22, arraigned a woman, Ifeoma Joe, and her 34-year-old son, Chima Mike Nmerem, before Justice P.I. Ajoku of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt for their alleged involvement in a N64.4 million fraud.
The duo is facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, misrepresentation, advance fee fraud, and obtaining money under false pretence. They allegedly defrauded a U.S.-based Nigerian, Mrs. Felicia Ekwutasi Ikeh, under the guise of securing spiritual intervention for her son, who was facing a murder charge in the United States.
According to the EFCC, the accused deceived the victim into believing that the funds were needed for spiritual cleansing and to influence detectives handling the case. Investigations revealed that the funds—amounting to over N64 million and including a $38,450 transfer—were paid into a bank account operated by the second defendant, Chima Nmerem.
Both defendants pleaded guilty to the charges. The prosecution was set to present a witness, but the case was adjourned to May 28 for a review of the facts. Justice Ajoku ordered that the accused be remanded in EFCC custody.
In a related development, Justice E.A. Obile of the same court convicted and sentenced Michael Eniola Adesina to five months imprisonment or a N400,000 fine for defrauding victims of N9 million through cryptocurrency scams and impersonation.
Adesina was prosecuted on a two-count charge bordering on money laundering and obtaining money under false pretence. He was found to have received fraudulent proceeds through cryptocurrency transactions, later converted into naira and deposited in his Moniepoint Microfinance Bank account.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of his Toyota Camry, iPhone 14 Pro, and Infinix Hot 50i to the federal government, as they were deemed proceeds and tools of the crime. Adesina, a first-time offender, also swore to an affidavit of good behavior.
