Ayinde Kareem/

A convicted fraudster in Edo State got an option to pay a fine of N1million today or face two years in jail.

Osawaru Samson was arraigned by the Benin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on a two count charge bordering on impersonation.

The convict, who was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on impersonation, was convicted and sentenced by Justice Demi-Ajayi of the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City,  Edo State.

One of the counts reads: “That you Osawaru Samson on or about the 6th day of May 2019 at Benin City,  within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court fraudulently impersonated Kennedy Lucas and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2)(b)(ii) of the Cybercrimes (prohibition prevention, etc) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22(2)(b)(iv) of the same Act.

Samson pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to him.

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, M. Funkeye, prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly. But, defence counsel,  Paul Ejiga prayed the court to temper justice with mercy as the defendant was a first -time offender and has promised never to return to crime. 

Apart from the two years imprisonment or a fine of N1million, the convict is also to undertake in writing to be of good behaviour forthwith.