EFCC returns N42.5m to widow defrauded by banker in Kaduna

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned the sum of N42.5 million to a 70-year-old widow and retiree, Mrs. Margret Taye Odofin, who was defrauded by her bank’s account officer.

The recovered funds, presented as a bank draft, were officially handed over to Mrs. Odofin on Thursday at the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC by Bawa Kaltungo, Acting Director of the zone, on behalf of the Commission’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.

According to the EFCC, the money was recovered from Mrs. Kehinde Olawale Yusuf, a former account and investment officer at one of Nigeria’s new generation banks.

Yusuf had allegedly lured the widow into investing in a fictitious scheme with the promise of a quarterly return of N1.7 million.

However, investigations revealed that between November and December 2020, Yusuf fraudulently siphoned N47 million from Mrs. Odofin’s bank account and diverted the funds into various personal accounts before fleeing to the United Kingdom. Despite her escape, EFCC operatives successfully traced and recovered part of the stolen funds.

An emotional Mrs. Odofin, while receiving the cheque, expressed deep gratitude to the EFCC and its leadership for restoring her hope and recovering her money.

“I cannot believe this. When we reported the case in the United Kingdom, they advised us to contact the EFCC since the crime was committed in Nigeria. Today, God has used the Commission to wipe away my tears,” she said.

“I want to thank Mr. Ola Olukoyede for the excellent job he is doing. I will campaign for the EFCC anywhere because they have proven they are sincere and effective,” she added.

Kaltungo reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to justice and the protection of citizens from financial crimes, emphasizing that the EFCC under Olukoyede’s leadership remains dedicated to restoring public trust.

“We are happy that we have been able to recover your hard-earned money.

“This is a testament to our professionalism and capacity to resolve cases of fraud within our mandate,” he said.

Kaltungo reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to justice and the protection of citizens from financial crimes, emphasizing that the EFCC under Olukoyede’s leadership remains dedicated to restoring public trust.

“We are happy that we have been able to recover your hard-earned money.

“This is a testament to our professionalism and capacity to resolve cases of fraud within our mandate,” he said.

The EFCC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and to report suspected cases of fraud to its offices nationwide.

Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity, confirmed the recovery and restitution in an official statement issued on Friday.