Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
A suspected cyber fraudster, Audu Ishida also known as Baddie Kylemilli is currently cooling off his heels in the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) as he was remanded by a federal High Court in Kaduna State over an alleged romantic love scam.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC ) has alleged that the defendant had created fake online video contents and dating sites, which he allegedly used to defraud unsuspecting victims.
He was arrested by EFCC operatives alongside other members of an internet fraud syndicate, following an intelligence-driven raid on their hideouts by operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Command.
The defendant, according to EFCC investigation, obtained the proceeds of his crime through gift cards, which he traded online
through an FSS card app in foreign currency and converted to Naira and paid into his bank account.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Hauwa’u Buhari remanded Ishida on Monday after he pleaded not guilty to a one-count charge preferred against him by the anti-graft agency.
The charge against the defendant, borders on impersonation, retention of proceeds of crime and money laundering, was committed in Jos, Plateau State on or about the 2nd of June, 2024, EFCC said.
The charge reads: “That you Audu Ishida (Baddie Kylemilli) on or about the 2nd of June, 2024 in Jos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, retained the total sum of $50 USD from your victim, which you reasonably ought to have known, forms parts of proceeds of an unlawful act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 20(a) of the Money Laundering(Prevention And Prohibition)Act,2022 and punishable under Section 20(b) of the same Act”.
He however pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to him, while thereafter, the prosecution Counsel, M.E Eimonye prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in the custody of Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS).
The defence Counsel, Mr Umar Usman did not raise any objection, prompting the trial Judge to order his remand and thereafter adjourned the case to 7th November 2024 for commencement of trial.