By Ebenezer Mabinuola
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a woman, Ifeoma Joe, and her 34-year-old son, Chima Mike Nmerem, for allegedly defrauding a U.S.-based Nigerian woman of N64.4 million under the guise of spiritual intervention.
Appearing before Justice P.I. Ajoku at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt on May 22, the duo faced four counts of conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence.
Prosecutors said Joe impersonated evangelist Dr. Uma Ukpai, using a fake phone number and male voice to solicit funds for bogus rituals and police bribes meant to help the victim’s son, who faced murder charges in the U.S.
The money was paid into an account operated by her son. Both pleaded guilty, and the case was adjourned to May 28 for sentencing. They remain in EFCC custody.
