Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, sentenced one Adun Adewale to a one-year imprisonment for cybercrime.
The convict was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a two-count charge of cybercrime.
Adewale had on December 20, 2024, pleaded guilty to count one when he was arraigned.
The defendant, however “pleaded guilty with reason” on count two when it was read to him by the registrar.
When the judge asked him what was the reason, Adewale explained that he saw the post somewhere and forwarded it to his page.
His lawyer, Olanrewaju Olaleye, therefore, prayed the court for a stand down to confer with his client.
Although Victor Okoye, who appeared for the police, opposed the application, the judge stood down the matter in the interest of justice.
After the court reconvened, Adewale’s lawyer told the court that he had a discussion with his client and the defendant said he did not understand the charge read to him.
The lawyer, therefore, urged the court to allow the charge to be read again for his client to take his plea.
Justice Nwite on January 3, fixed today for a ruling on Adewale’s application after the two lawyers made presentations on the matter.
The judge, who ordered that the sentence should begin from the date the convict was arrested, however, gave him an option of a N2 million fine
He said: “Given the plea of mercy by counsel and taking cognisance that the defendant is a first offender, I am minded to temper justice with mercy.”
Justice Nwite subsequently fixed March 18 for the commencement of trial on count two.
