The Benin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of a fugitive suspect, Joan Uruvbu (alias Jay Jay) on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and intent to defraud before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State.
Joan Uruvbu is one of the Nigerians on the wanted persons list of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
One of the counts reads: “That you, Joan Uruvbu (alias Jay
Jay) Daniel Mercedes, Paul Tommy and Sally (all at large) between 2018
and 2019 in Benin City within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did
conspire to use attached E-mail to obtain personal identification
information of others online to use same to file fraudulent tax returns with
the Inland Revenue Service (IRS) of the United States of America ( USA) and you
thereby committed an offence contrary to Section (27)(b) of the cybercrime (prohibtion
prevention etc) Act ,2015 and punishable under Section 36(1) of the same
Act.”
In view of her plea, the counsel for the EFCC, L.P. Aso prayed the court that
the defendant be convicted and sentenced accordingly.
However, the defence counsel, John Okhihiegbe pleaded with the court to temper
justice with mercy as the defendant was a first-time offender, a youth who had
a future ahead of her and has shown remorse.
Justice Emeka Nwite after listening to the defence and prosecution convicted
and sentenced the defendant to two years in prison commencing from the date of
arrest or a fine of N1million.
All items recovered from the defendant are to be forfeited and restitution made
to her victims.
Justice Nwite also ruled that the convict signs an undertaking to be of good
behavior henceforth.
