A middle-aged man in Keroka, Nyamira County, has been arrested and arraigned in court after nuns at a convent lost more than Ksh.3.4 million in a suspected fraud scheme.

The court directed that Edwin Ontomwa, 30, be detained for seven more days to allow for conclusion of investigations into the incident.

Ontwoma, the court heard, with other suspects approached the nuns at Ichuni convent located in Masaba South, Kisii County, saying they needed money to enable them make a key to open some special treasure box that had been sent to them from the US.

A senior detective handling the matter said two other suspects are still being sought in the matter, adding that Ontwoma is linked to a syndicate of cons operating from Nairobi and Migori counties.

Police said a forensic audit would be done on the suspect’s phone as part of the probe into the incident, further that he may be charged with cybercrime offences.

The Cybercrimes Act criminalizes illegally accessing a computer system or intercepting data, cyber extortion, unlawfully acquiring a password, cyber fraud, and theft of incorporeal property.

Ontwoma was arrested when he returned to the convent on Tuesday evening to collect more cash before being hauled before Chief Magistrate Eunice Nyutu at Keroka Law Courts on Wednesday morning.