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RSN™ Scam News: Nigerians Arrest $1,450,000 CDN Dollar Romance Scammer
The Nigeria Economic and Financial Crimes Commission [EFCC] has arrested and arraigned the scammer Oke Omoniyi Benjamin
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan Zonal Office has arraigned one Oke Omoniyi Benjamin, 33, before Justice U. N. Agomo of the Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
He was arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretense and possession of documents containing false pretense contrary to Nigeria’s Section1 (1), Section 6 and 8 punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.
Benjamin was arrested following an Intelligence Report received in August, 2018, alleging that he is involved in internet fraud and has also defrauded as many as 1,000 foreigners of their money through online fraudulent schemes including romance scams.
The report, however, stated that Benjamin used the proceeds of his fraud to buy two cars, and also own a unisex beauty salon known as “Signatures Unisex Salon” located at No. 238, Ilawe Road, opposite Baptist School, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
At the point of arrest, Operatives of the Commission [EFCC] recovered an Acura TL, 2010 with Registration Number BDG 969FH and a Lexus ES 300, 2002 model with Registration Number EPE 829FJ, two Laptops, two Phones, forged documents, and some foreign cheques.
One of the criminal charge counts reads:
“That you Oke Omoniyi Benjamin on or about the 27th of April, 2018 at Ado-Ekiti within the Ado-Ekiti jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of $1,450,000 Canadian Dollars (One Million Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand Canadian Dollars) through Western Union money transfer from one Ms. Joan Derk, a Canadian by falsely representing that you are one “Sergeant Johnson” a United States of America Marine and that the money was needed for preparations towards your marriage with her; which representation you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a)and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006”.
Photo Gallery of Sargent Smit Johnson (believed to be the fake identity used)
“That you Oke Omoniyi Benjamin on or about the 3rd October, 2018 at Ado-Ekiti within the Ado-Ekiti jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud, knowingly had in your possession some documents to wit: online Instagram conversation with one Ms. Karen Hart a lady, citizen of United States of America, wherein you pretended to be one “Sergeant Johnson” of the United States of America Marine, which document contained false pretences and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 8 (b) punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006”.
Benjamin-Oke Arrested In Nigeria
Benjamin, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. In view of his plea, the prosecuting counsel, S. M. Galadanchi approached the court for a trial date. The defense counsel, C.O. Omukhafe presented a bail application on behalf of the defendant to which prosecution counsel, however, asked the court for time to study and enable him to react to the application.
Justice Agomo adjourned till 13th and 27th November 2018 for the hearing on the bail application and the commencement of trial. The defendant was remanded in the Federal Prison, Ado Ekiti pending the hearing of his bail application.
The Cash And Property Have Been Seized By The EFCC And Is Not Expected To Be Returned To The Victims
This Arrest Represents One Of The Largest Individual (Non-Cartel) Scammer Arrests In Terms Of The Money Scammed From Individual Victims.
RSN™ Team a division of SCARS™ Miami Florida U.S.A.
Martha Suquet
November 11, 2018 at 1:22 pm - Reply
Was almost scammed 4 yrs ago, thanks to the scamers .come found his picture by the last name Miller. Very happy some of the scamers been held. Love all of your information Thank You
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At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
SCARS Institute articles examine different aspects of the scam victim experience, as well as those who may have been secondary victims. This work focuses on understanding victimization through the science of victimology, including common psychological and behavioral responses. The purpose is to help victims and survivors understand why these crimes occurred, reduce shame and self-blame, strengthen recovery programs and victim opportunities, and lower the risk of future victimization.
At times, these discussions may sound uncomfortable, overwhelming, or may be mistaken for blame. They are not. Scam victims are never blamed. Our goal is to explain the mechanisms of deception and the human responses that scammers exploit, and the processes that occur after the scam ends, so victims can better understand what happened to them and why it felt convincing at the time, and what the path looks like going forward.
Articles that address the psychology, neurology, physiology, and other characteristics of scams and the victim experience recognize that all people share cognitive and emotional traits that can be manipulated under the right conditions. These characteristics are not flaws. They are normal human functions that criminals deliberately exploit. Victims typically have little awareness of these mechanisms while a scam is unfolding and a very limited ability to control them. Awareness often comes only after the harm has occurred.
By explaining these processes, these articles help victims make sense of their experiences, understand common post-scam reactions, and identify ways to protect themselves moving forward. This knowledge supports recovery by replacing confusion and self-blame with clarity, context, and self-compassion.
Additional educational material on these topics is available at ScamPsychology.org – ScamsNOW.com and other SCARS Institute websites.
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Was almost scammed 4 yrs ago, thanks to the scamers .come found his picture by the last name Miller. Very happy some of the scamers been held. Love all of your information Thank You