Abuja: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over a draft of N64.8 million to Uzoechina Anene, being funds recovered by operatives of the commission for him. The EFCC Spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Acting Zonal Director, Benin Zonal Directorate, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, handed over the money to the victim on Tuesday in Benin. Anene, 59, a dealer in petroleum products, had petitioned the commission in October 2024, stating that he was defrauded by one Adegboyega Adebanbo.
The petitioner explained that Adebanbo defrauded him of N65.7 million under the pretense that he could supply him with 90,000 liters of Neptha (condensate). However, upon transfer of the money, the products were not supplied, and efforts to recover the money proved abortive. During the investigation, the commission discovered that Adebanbo had traveled out of the country but transferred the sum of N64.8 million to the account of the wife of his business associate, Ekundayo Akinseye. Akinseye also transferred the money to other accounts.
The commission, however, traced the various accounts and recovered the money. The Acting Zonal Director, while presenting the draft, cautioned Nigerians to be circumspect to avoid falling victim to fraudsters. He emphasized that the commission will continue to discharge its responsibilities professionally and bring fraudsters to book, urging Nigerians to be alert to fraudsters who parade themselves as businessmen and suppliers of products.
Anene, who was filled with joy, commended the commission for its intervention. He expressed his admiration for the professionalism exhibited by operatives of the commission, stating, “Your character is worthy of emulation.” The suspects have been charged to court.