On Wednesday, July 5, 2023, the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Precious Ojo and Joseph Uduaghan before Justice F. A. Olubanjo of the Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State.
According to EFCC Spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren, Ojo and Uduaghan were arraigned on 10 and three count charges, respectively, for fraudulent impersonation, acquiring by false pretence, and money laundering.
Ojo, alias obago, allegedly impersonated Peter Gabriel, an American medical doctor purportedly working in Syria, to swindle his unsuspecting victim, Agata Harasimowicz, an American lady, of $268,0000 (Two Hundred and Sixty-eight Thousand America Dollars). Uduaghan, for his part, is accused of receiving N170 million from Ojo, which he allegedly used to build a hotel.
When the defendants were arraigned, they pleaded not guilty to the accusations, forcing the prosecution's counsel, Francis Jirbo, to ask the court to set a trial date.
However, Pascal Ugbome, the defense attorney, informed the court that he had filed a bail application for his clients and begged the court to give them release. He contended that the accused offences were bailable and that the defendants would be present for their trial.
The prosecution counsel objected to the application, claiming that the defendants constitute a flight risk and could evade bail.
However, the defence attorney requested that the defendants be released to him pending the outcome of the bail application.
The defendants were ordered released to the defense counsel, who is expected to submit a letter from his NBA branch chairman attesting to the fact that he is a known member of the branch and has paid his practicing fee to date.
He must also promise in writing that he will deliver the defendants whenever they are required in court and that he will be held liable in the event of a breach.
