Edo court jails fraudster for impersonating James Bond actor, Daniel Craig to defraud victims

By Samantha Allen

Published: October 23, 2021 | 11:33 AM GMT

Justice S. M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court in Benin City, Edo State, convicted and sentenced one Irabor Osarumwense (aka 007 Daniel Craig James Bond) to two years in prison for fraud on Thursday, October 21, 2021. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Benin Zonal Command, charged Osarumwense with impersonating and acquiring by fraudulent pretense.

He fraudulently impersonated the identity of English actor, Daniel Craig, to defraud unsuspecting victims. The charge reads: “That you Irabor Osarumwense (aka 007 Daniel Craig James Bond) sometimes in 2021 in Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did fraudulently impersonate the identity of Daniel Craig, an English actor by fraudulently sending documents to one Nansiri through the internet which document you claim emanated from the said Daniel Craig with the intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2)(b)(ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015 and punishable under section 22(2)(b)(iv) of the same Act” Upon arraignment the defendant pleaded guilty to the charge.

In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Immaculate Elodi prayed the court to convict and sentence him in accordance with the plea bargain agreement between the parties. Justice Shuaibu thereafter convicted and sentenced the defendant to two years imprisonment or a fine of N200, 000.

The defendant is also to forfeit the phone used in perpetuating the crime to the Federal government of Nigeria. He is also to undertake in writing to be of good behaviour afterwards.

About Samantha Allen

Samantha Allen is a seasoned journalist and senior correspondent at TDPel Media, specializing in the intersection of maternal health, clinical wellness, and public policy. With a background in investigative reporting and a passion for data-driven storytelling, Samantha has become a trusted voice for expectant mothers and healthcare advocates worldwide. Her work focuses on translating complex medical research into actionable insights, covering everything from prenatal fitness and neonatal care to the socioeconomic impacts of healthcare legislation. At TDPel Media, Samantha leads the agency's health analytics desk, ensuring that every report is grounded in accuracy, empathy, and scientific integrity. When she isn't in the newsroom, she is an advocate for community-led wellness initiatives and an avid explorer of California’s coastal trails.