International Fraud Suspect to Remain in Remand Pending Bail Ruling
0
0
An international fraud suspect, Jean Emanuel Marlon, alias Larmaca J. Benjamin, will remain in remand until March 3, 2025, when the court will determine whether he will be granted bail or bond.
Marlon appeared before Jomo Kenyatta International Law Court Magistrate Njeri Thuku, where he pleaded not guilty to 14 charges, including fraudulently obtaining over Ksh 12 million. The magistrate also ordered that he be taken to the hospital and directed that a pre-bail report be submitted before the ruling.
Prosecution Opposes Bail, Citing Flight Risk & Threats
Opposing Marlon’s release, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) filed an affidavit arguing that he is a flight risk, as he possesses two passports that are still under investigation. The prosecution further claimed that Marlon had been threatening key witnesses, including the complainant, by sending them text messages and photos while armed.
“The suspect has been threatening my key witness, including the complainant. We have photographic evidence and text messages he sent to the victims,” stated prosecutor Mulama.
Defense Pushes for Bail, Denies Threat Allegations
Marlon’s lawyer, Mr. Wandugi, opposed the DPP’s application, insisting that his client is willing to comply with any bail terms set by the court. He argued that there was no official complaint (OB report) from the complainant regarding the alleged threats, and therefore, no compelling reason to deny his client bail.
Charges Against Marlon
According to the charge sheet, Marlon allegedly defrauded Mercuri Ferdinando G. of Ksh 12 million ($93,000,000 USD) on January 20, 2025, while acting as the director of Afrex Bridge Connect Limited. He falsely claimed he could transport 550 kilograms of high-value cargo from Kenya to Dubai, a promise the prosecution says he knew to be false.
In an additional charge, Marlon was accused of possession of a firearm without a valid certificate. Prosecutors allege that on February 2, 2025, he was found at House No. 12 in Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy Estate, Ol Pejeta, Laikipia County, in possession of a Glock pistol (S/N VTY157) without the required firearm license.
The court is set to rule on his bail application on March 3, 2025.
About The Author
