The Edo State High Court in Benin City has handed down a two-year prison sentence to Samuel Akove Adavize following his conviction on charges of impersonation and fraudulent activities. The judgment, delivered by Justice Etinosa G. Adekambi on Wednesday, brings an end to a case initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Mr. Adavize faced a two-count charge concerning the illegal acquisition of money through false pretenses and the possession of incriminating fraudulent documentation. According to details provided by the anti-graft agency, the convict had been operating under a stolen identity, masquerading as Chidi Mike Anyanwu, the managing director of Chidi Mike Cars. By assuming this persona, he successfully defrauded various unsuspecting members of the public who believed they were dealing with the legitimate business owner.
In addition to the custodial sentence, the court took firm measures to ensure that the convict does not retain any benefits derived from his illicit operations. Justice Adekambi ordered the permanent forfeiture of N400,000, which was identified as the proceeds of his criminal enterprise, to the Federal Government. Furthermore, the iPhone 12 used as a primary tool for the impersonation scheme was ordered to be surrendered and forfeited to the state.
Concluding the judgment, the presiding judge ordered the immediate and permanent closure of the convict’s bank accounts held with Opay and Sparkle Microfinance Bank, effectively dismantling the financial infrastructure he utilized to conduct his fraudulent activities.
Source: NaijaProbe