A notorious online scammer accused with an attempt to defraud women over Sh10 million was released on a Sh1 million bond by a Kiambu court.
James Ikua Macharia was brought before Kiambu Chief Magistrate Patricia Gichohi virtually, having been accused of obtaining money by false presences contrary to section 313 of penal code
Mr Ikua, through his company Auto-Trade Markets that is located along Kenyatta avenue in Nairobi, is jointly accused with others of trying to obtain money pretending that he was in a position to assist them invest in online trading business.
Ikua tried to obtain from Felgona Auma Khasira Sh1,515,000, Beatrice Adhiambo Sh1,800,000, Jackline Kingori Sh1,800,000 million, Mary Kanyingi Sh3.500,000, Chrispinus Sifuna Mukia Sh1.400,000 and Gladys Nakhumincha Khisa Sh500,000
According to prosecution Mr Ikua has been escaping police dragnets and hence the reason for his late arrest, when the policed finally traced him in Mombasa where he relocated from Nairobi
The prosecution further asked the court not to release him from custody as they considered him a ‘flight risk,’ Ikua through his lawyer Mr Kiplagat objected to the accusation indicating that his client was traced and arrested by police in Mombasa at his home.
However, the Magistrate order his release on bond indicating the fact that a bond is a constitutional right, the case is to be heard again on August 29, 2021.
By Grace Naishoo
