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Benin Court Remands Man for Alleged N10 Million Fraud in Import Scheme


Benin Court Remands Man

 

A High Court sitting in Benin City has ordered the remand of a 39-year-old man, Ewombe Lumiere, at a correctional facility following his arraignment for an alleged N10 million fraud. The court decision was made during a hearing on Thursday, May 23, 2025.

 

According to court proceedings, the accused is facing a one-count charge of fraud brought forward by the prosecution. The prosecuting counsel, Polycarp Odion, told the court that Lumiere had allegedly defrauded a woman identified as Ofure Okhiria under false pretenses related to an import deal.

 

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The incident, as detailed by the prosecution, occurred on March 13, 2025, in Benin City. Lumiere is alleged to have claimed he was importing goods from China into Nigeria, and through that claim, fraudulently obtained N10 million from the complainant. Odion noted that the charge contravenes Section 1(1)(a) and is punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2004.

 

In a motion ex parte, the prosecutor requested the court to remand the defendant for an initial 14-day period while awaiting legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in Edo State.

 

Presiding over the case, Justice Ogbevoen granted the motion and ordered that Ewombe Lumiere be held at a correctional centre pending further developments. The case has been adjourned until June 4, 2025, for a hearing.

 

The court’s decision underscores the ongoing crackdown on financial crimes in Nigeria, especially in cases involving fraudulent business dealings and false representation.



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