The Makurdi Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC), on Monday, secured the conviction of , Orhena Bartholomew for refusing
to return N99,000 transferred to him in error.
Bartholomew was sentenced by Justice
Mobolaji Olajuwon of the Federal High Court, Makurdi, Benue State.
The EFCC said trouble started for Bartholomew, a tailor, when the Makurdi
Zonal Office of the EFCC received a petition from a complainant, who operates
Firstmonie Cash Point alleging that Bartholomew came to him to transfer N1,000
only to his friend in Lagos, but that he, the operator, mistakenly transferred
N100,000.
After Bartholomew had left, the complainant said he contacted him to refund
him his N99,000 balance, but that he claimed he was already on his way to Lagos
and would not return.
The friend in Lagos, however, saw the money and sent the entire N99,000
back to Bartholomew’s account. However, instead of Bartholomew sending it to
the agent, he converted it to his personal use and bought a Honda cub
motorcycle with it.
The Commission arrested and arraigned him in court.
One of the charges against him reads: “That you, Orhena Sesugh Bartholomew on
on or about 15th of October, 2019 in Makurdi, within the jurisdiction of this
honourable court, without lawful authority engaged in acquisition of a super
cub Honda motorcycle knowing that the said motorcycle was proceed of criminal
activity and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 18(1) of the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 and
punishable under Section 18(2) of the same Act.”
He pleaded guilty to the charge. Following his plea, prosecution counsel,
G. G. Chai-Yakua urged the court to accept a plea bargain agreement earlier
reached with the defendant and convict him accordingly.
Justice Olajuwon convicted him and sentenced him to two years imprisonment
with option of N50,000 fine.
The N99,999.00 which the defendant had been made to cough out in the course
of the investigation was paid to the complainant as restitution. He also
forfeited his Honda cub motorcycle to the federal government.