Mr. Orhena Sesugh Bartholomewon
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Makurdi Zonal Office on Monday, secured the conviction of one Mr. Orhena Sesugh Bartholomew for refusing to return N99,000 transferred to him in error.
Mr. Orhena was sentenced by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of the Federal High Court, Makurdi, Benue State.
Mr. Orhena Sesugh Bartholomew (a tailor) trouble according to EFCC started when the Makurdi Zonal Office of the EFCC received a petition from a complainant, who operates Firstmonie Cash Point alleging that Mr. Orhena came to him to transfer N1,000 only to his friend in Lagos, but that he, the operator, mistakenly transferred N100,000.
The complainant said he contacted the said Mr. Orhena after he had left, to refund him his N99,000 balance, but that he, Orhena 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 Mr. Orhena’s account. However, instead of Mr. Orhena 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 Bartholomewon 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.
