The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Makurdi Zonal Office, Tuesday, arraigned James Kuve Sughter over a six-count amended charge bordering on forgery and possession of documents containing false pretence.
Sughter was made to appear before Justice S.O. Itodo of the Benue State High Court, in the State capital.
EFCC spokesman, Tony Orilade in a statement said the accused was arrested following intelligence report received by the Commission linking him to some fraudulent online activities.
He disclosed that, “Investigations further revealed that he engaged in sending scam emails to unsuspecting citizens and thereafter, defrauded them of their hard earned money running into millions of naira through Fiverr.com and Payoneer account.
“Sughter was alleged to have falsely impersonated one late Mrs. Akure Mary when he caused the issuance of a voter’s card VIN number 3072030087 in her name as security for the opening of a Paypal account on the internet.
“Investigations further showed that the suspect is living above his means by purchasing porch cars, he does not have a known job yet he is living a flamboyant lifestyle.”
“One of the counts reads: “That you, James Kuve Sughter, of No 21 Aliade Road, Makurdi sometime in 2018 within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, falsely impersonate one late Mrs. Akure Mary wherein you caused the issuance of a voter’s card VIN number 3072030087 in her name as security for the opening of a Paypal account on the internet and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 181 of Penal Code Laws of Benue State Cap. 124 2004.”
But it was gathered that Sughter pleaded not guilty to the charge.
It was on this premise, according to Orilade that the prosecuting counsel, Mary Onoja asked for a date of hearing.
Also, she opposed the oral bail application by the defence counsel, J.H. Anemba, arguing that there was a need for a formal application.
Nevertheless, Justice Itodo granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
He also affirmed that the sureties must reside in Makurdi with landed properties and, must submit two passport photographs as the case was adjourned to May 13, for day to day trial.
