Two University of Nairobi students, Jesus Godoua Imedji, a foreign national, and Judith Mbatha Nzioka, have been charged with conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by pretense at the Milimani Law Court.
They, along with others not present in court, allegedly deceived Tuyishime Grace into transferring $116,000 USDT (approximately KSh 15.36 million) on April 30, 2025, by falsely claiming they could assist her with trading on Binance.
Appearing before Magistrate Caroline Nyaguthii, the accused, through their lawyer, requested favorable bond and cash bail terms.
The lawyer argued that the students should not be considered a flight risk, as they were both enrolled at the University of Nairobi.
However, the investigating officer opposed the bail request, citing the seriousness of the charges.
"Your Honour, I respectfully object to the release of the respondents on bail at this stage," she stated, referring to the case file. "The nature and gravity of the offence warrant this objection."The officer further highlighted that the defendants were under investigation for serious economic crimes, including obtaining money under false pretenses and conspiracy to defraud.
She expressed concern over the cross-border implications and cyber financial elements involved in the case. Notably, she raised alarms about Imedji, a national of the Central African Republic, suggesting he posed a flight risk due to his lack of ties in Kenya and possession of three passports from different countries.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for May 28, 2025, to address bond and bail terms.
