NIGERIAN STUDENT GETS 15 MONTHS JAIL FOR INTERNET FRAUD

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 (Bernama) -- A Nigerian student was sentenced to 15 months jail after she pleaded guilty in the Magistrate Court here Tuesday to internet fraud.

Peace Okotie, 26, was charged with attempting to cheat an administrative
assistant, Buang Md Sayuti, 42, by claiming that she could help bring in US$1
million reward which he won in a Microsoft 2008 contest, despite knowing that
she could not do so.

Prosecuting officer Azimul Azimi Md Nor told the court that Buang had
received an e-mail, purportedly from Microsoft Internet promotion, informing him
that he had won the money in a lucky draw which was held in Stanford Bridge
Stadium, London, United Kingdom.

Buang responded to the e-mail, following which he was asked to pay
US$2,750 in processing fee to get the reward money.

Realising that it was a fraud, Buang lodged a police report and a meeting
was arranged at 2.15pm at KLCC on Aug 27, 2008, with Okotie, who claimed to be
Mrs Sophia Young.

Police arrested Okotie soon after Buang handed the money for the alleged
processing fee to her.

Magistrate Siti Shakirah Mohtarudin ordered Okotie to serve the sentence
from the date of her arrest on Aug 27, 2008.

Okotie, who was in possession of an expired student pass, also pleaded
guilty to overstaying in Malaysia and was sentenced to four months jail.

The jail sentences were to be served concurrently.

-- BERNAMA