By Becky Usman

The Benue Police Command recently brought charges of criminal conspiracy and advance fee fraud, commonly known as ‘419,’ against two individuals, Iveren Mom and John Gwajime, both residents of Makurdi town. The case was presented before a Makurdi chief magistrate court.

During the court proceedings, Inspector Omaye Ojata, the prosecuting police officer, informed the court that a businesswoman named Mrs. Hajia Sale, residing at No. 22 Obudu Road Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, had transferred the sum of 4.5 million naira into an Access Bank Account belonging to the first accused, Iveren Mom, in March of the current year. The transfer was made based on Mom’s promise to assist her in obtaining new naira notes during the currency redesigning program in the country.

However, the prosecution alleged that instead of fulfilling their promise, the accused conspired and fraudulently converted the 4.5 million naira to their personal use. During the police investigation, the two accused individuals were apprehended, while a third suspect named Teryima Dada, who was also involved, remains at large.

The prosecution requested that the accused be remanded at the Makurdi correctional center, citing ongoing investigations and concerns that the accused might interfere with the process.

The trial magistrate, in a ruling, refused to accept the plea of the accused due to jurisdictional issues. However, the magistrate granted bail to the accused, each with a bail amount of one million naira. The case has been adjourned to October 10 for further proceedings.