Debest Osarumwense, the mother of an internet fraudster, was on Tuesday sentenced to five years in prison by Justice M. S. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City.
The accused was arraigned on a one-count charge of aiding her son to receive the sum of N91,296,150 (Ninety-One Million, Two Hundred and Ninety-Six Thousand, One Hundred and Fifty Naira) which are proceeds from his fraud business.
The charge against her reads: “that you, Debest Osarumwense (f) sometime between 2nd January 2020 and December 2021 in Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did take possession of the total sum of N91,296,150.00(Ninety One Million, Two Hundred and Ninety-six Thousand, One Hundred and Fifty Naira) knowing that same represent proceeds of Endurance Osarumwense (your son) criminal conduct to wit: cybercrime and thereby committed an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 17(b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Establishment) Act 2004”.
Osarumwense pleaded guilty to the charge brought against her.
The prosecution counsel, I. K.Agwai, therefore, prayed that the court convicts and sentence her accordingly.
Justice Shuaibu convicted and sentenced the defendant to five years imprisonment with an option of a N1 million fine.
She is also to forfeit the balance in her bank account to the Federal Government of Nigeria.