Diamond Bank official convicted for identity theft, fraud

Justice Fatun Riman of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State has convicted a former banker, Elijah Joseph John, on a two-count charge of fraud and identity theft. John, a former employee of Diamond Bank, was accused by Aniebeit Daniel Udeme (a customer with the bank), to have moved N400,000 from his account same day the money was deposited. According to the complainant, the unauthorised transaction was reported to the bank, but was told that it could not be reversed.

Udeme then petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Investigation, according to the Head, Media and Publicity of EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, revealed that it was John who moved the fund for personal use by fraudulently activating mobile banking on his phone, using Udeme’s banking details under the pretext that he was assisting the victim in resolving a mobile banking issue.

“John pleaded guilty to the charges and opted for a plea bargain,” Uwujaren said. In his judgement delivered on February 20, Justice Riman convicted John and ordered him to pay a fine of N100,000, warning the convict to always steer clear of crime and to always be of good conduct. Meanwhile, the convict had paid N400,000 as restitution to the owner