Jean Emmanuel Morlon, also known as Lamarca J. Benjamin, will remain in custody at the Industrial Area Remand Prison following his arraignment in court.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, February 25, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that Morlon was presented before the JKIA Law Court after completing a 12-day custodial order.
He is accused of orchestrating a gold scam that defrauded two businessmen—a Romanian and a Swiss national—of USD 120,000 (approximately Ksh. 15.5 million).
During his court appearance, Morlon faced several charges, including obtaining money by false pretenses and illegal possession of firearms. According to the DCI, additional charges included possession of ammunition without a firearm certificate, creating a false document, and forgery of an official document.
Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, the prosecution opposed his release on bail, citing concerns that he posed a flight risk. The court upheld this argument and ordered that he be held at the Industrial Area Remand Prison until further proceedings.
“Morlon pleaded not guilty before the Senior Principal Magistrate’s Court No. 1 at the JKIA Law Court. However, the prosecution objected to his release on bail, arguing that he was a potential flight risk. The court agreed and ordered his remand. The case is set for mention on March 3, 2025,” the DCI stated.
Morlon was apprehended on February 4, alongside five other suspects identified as Samson Kibet Sirkoi, Lucy Gitonga, Rose Kambua, and Justine Adhiambo. Authorities linked them to the fraudulent scheme targeting the two businessmen.
During a raid on Morlon’s office, investigators recovered several items, including two Glock pistols, 96 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a pair of handcuffs, and a silver Toyota Land Cruiser V8.
“During the operation, officers seized two Glock pistols, 96 rounds of ammunition, handcuffs, an Apple laptop, a MacBook, and six expired mineral licenses. A Toyota Land Cruiser V8, registration number KCW 880M, was also impounded,” the DCI detailed.
A subsequent search at Morlon’s residence in Kileleshwa uncovered additional weapons and security-related equipment. Authorities found tracer bullets, 14 smoke grenades, a bulletproof vest, and various seals and stamps.
The case remains under investigation, with the next court mention scheduled for early March.
