Two varsity students charged with defrauding foreigner Sh15m freed on bond

The two university students charged with defrauding a woman of Sh15 million in court on May 26, 2025./OJOO ABISAKI

Two university students who were charged with defrauding a woman of Sh15 million were, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, granted release on bail terms.

Principal Magistrate Carolyne Nyaguthii Mugo, in her ruling, mentioned that being a foreigner doesn't warrant denial of bail, and therefore the court finds no compelling reason to deny the accused release on bail or bond.

Both accused have been granted release on a Sh2 million bond with surety of two contact persons and one contact person, respectively.

Judith Mbatha Nzioka, the second accused, has been granted an alternative release on a Sh1 million cash bail.

The court directed that the accused should adhere to a number of conditions, including not communicating with the complainant and attending all court sessions, and sufficient reasons should be provided in case of failure to attend.

Additionally, the accused are expected to report to the police station once every fortnight. The court also mentioned that bond can be cancelled in case the accused breach the conditions.

Counsel for the second accused made an application for the court to release the confiscated items that were taken when the accused was arrested.

She mentioned that the accused was in possession of Sh200,000 and $600 that are to be used in paying the cash bail.

The investigating officer in the case told the court that the money is proceeds of a crime and hence required in the investigation.

The court directed the counsel to file a formal application within the next seven days and the prosecution to give a response on the issue within the said seven days.

Jesus Godoua Imedji and Judith Mbatha Nzioka were, on Monday, May 26, 2025, charged with allegedly defrauding one Tuyishime Grace of a sum of $116,000, equivalent to Sh15,360,000, by falsely pretending that they were in a position to assist her trade in crypto.

The two are also charged with another count of conspiracy to defraud.

The matter has been set for mention on June 19, 2025, for pre-trial directions.