Benue fraudster sentenced to one year in prison

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Makurdi Zonal Command, successfully secured the conviction of Dominic Ogbeh Onah. Onah, who pleaded guilty to a one-count charge of money laundering, was sentenced by Justice Abdul Dogo of the Federal High Court in Makurdi, Benue State.

The charge against Onah outlined his involvement in money laundering between January 1, 2021, and February 7, 2023. He acted as an intermediary, receiving N12,000,000 (Twelve Million Naira) via his Venmo account on behalf of individuals who were now at large. He converted the funds to their Naira equivalent and transferred the money to the fraudsters, retaining 10% as his commission. This act violated Section 18 (2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and was punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act in 2022.

Upon pleading guilty, Onah was sentenced by Justice Dogo to one year in prison. He also had the option to pay a fine of N2,000,000 (Two Million Naira). Additionally, the convict forfeited his iPhone 11 Pro Max and other proceeds obtained through his criminal activities.

Onah’s legal troubles began when he was apprehended by EFCC operatives from the Makurdi Zonal Command for internet-related offenses. He was subsequently prosecuted and convicted.