The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refunded N84 million to an Edo businessman after recovering the money from a suspect accused of defrauding him through a fraudulent land transaction.
The money was presented to the victim, Ekhahon Abraham, on Friday by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency after investigations into the alleged property scam.
According to the EFCC, Abraham paid N84 million to Anita Eborome, who allegedly claimed she was selling him a parcel of land measuring 115 feet by 135 feet in a community in Edo State.
The businessman said he took possession of the land and built a perimeter fence after making full payment. However, his fence was later demolished by another man who claimed to be the rightful owner of the property.
Following the development, Abraham demanded a refund from Eborome, but she allegedly became unreachable and refused to return the money. He subsequently petitioned the EFCC for intervention.
Investigators later established that the businessman had transferred the N84 million to the suspect, who allegedly diverted the funds for personal use instead of refunding the money.
While presenting the bank draft to the victim, Acting Zonal Director of the Benin Zonal Directorate, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to protecting Nigerians from financial crimes.
He said the EFCC would continue to carry out its responsibilities professionally and ensure that fraudsters do not benefit from the proceeds of crime.
The recovery highlights the EFCC’s efforts to investigate financial crimes, recover stolen assets and provide restitution to victims where possible. It also serves as a reminder for prospective property buyers to verify land ownership and relevant title documents before making payment, as land fraud remains one of the common forms of financial crime in parts of the country.