Company, Two others Face N215 Million Cybercrime Charge as Court Awaits New Judge

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has adjourned proceedings until October 16, 2024, to determine which judge will preside over the trial of Absalam Murrangay Investment Limited and two individuals, Sylvester Otu and Adio Muritala Atanda, who stand accused of fraudulently intercepting an electronic mail to divert N215 million to their benefit.

The delay arises from the need for the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to decide whether the former judge, who was transferred out of the Lagos division, will continue with the case or if a new judge will take over and commence the trial afresh.

The defendants face an eight-count charge brought against them by a combined team of prosecutors from the Federal Criminal Investigation Department, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos. The charges allege that on or about November 13, 2017, Absalam Murrangay Investment Ltd, in collaboration with Sylvester Otu, Adio Muritala Atanda, and others still at large, conspired to commit cybercrime by unlawfully intercepting an electronic mail belonging to Josien Holding Limited.

The defendants are accused of redirecting a payment of N215 million, intended for Josien Holding Limited from its business partner, GDN Nigeria Limited, into the account of Absalam Murrangay Investment Ltd. Additionally, they were accused of impersonating representatives of Josien Holding Limited to facilitate the fraudulent transaction.

The charges of conspiracy, interception, misdirection of electronic communication, and obtaining money by false pretenses are violations under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act and the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, carrying severe penalties upon conviction.

As the court awaits the Chief Judge’s decision, the defendants will continue to prepare for their day in court, where they will answer to the allegations laid against them.