A Kaduna High Court on Friday remanded one James Adaji for allegedly defrauding a divorcee of $12,000.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kaduna Zonal Office, who charged Adaji with romance scam, through its counsel, P. C. Onyeneho told the court that the suspect, who doubles as a farmer and student, was arrested at Faringada, Jos, on intelligence report.
According to the prosecuting counsel, investigation revealed that the defendant had been extorting an American divorcee while professing love to her on social media platforms.
The charge read;
“that you James Adaji ‘M’ sometime in February 2021 in Jos, Plateau State, within the jurisdiction of this honorable Court, did commit an offence to wit; impersonation.
“You fraudulently held yourself out as one Sergeant Sidhu Rueben of the United States Army and induced one Ram Murti to part with $12,000 (Twelve Thousand Dollars) as payment for vacation and replacement with the intent to gain advantage for yourself.
“You thereby committed an offence contrary and punishable under Section 22(2) (b) of Cybercrime (Prohibition Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015”.
Adaji however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Onyeneho prayed the court to fix a date for commencement of trial and remand the defendant in the Correctional facility.
The presiding judge, Justice P. H. Mallong, adjourned the matter till March 22, for the commencement of trial.
