EFCC returns properties to fraud victim in Ibadan

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned three properties, two luxury cars, and ₦1.1 million to a fraud victim, Daniel Babatunde Attiogbe, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The assets were recovered from a self-acclaimed spiritualist and fraudster, Fatai Olalere Alli, popularly known as Baba Abore or Baba Osun.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commission said the handover followed a court order obtained after Alli’s conviction for defrauding Attiogbe of over ₦200 million.

The convict had deceived his victim under the guise of performing spiritual cleansing to prevent “visions of untimely death.”

The forfeited assets include a five-bedroom duplex with an adjoining three-bedroom bungalow at Kasumu Village, Odo-ona Elewe, Ibadan; a bungalow containing two sets of three-bedroom flats at Plot 182, Block D, Lapiti Layout, Akanran Road, Amuloko; and another three-bedroom bungalow at Idi Ayunre Village, Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Also recovered were a grey Honda Pilot SUV (Reg. No. LND 696 CK, Chassis No. 2HKY18414H621545), a Toyota Corolla (Chassis No. 2T1BU40E49C142502), and ₦1.1 million in cash.

The EFCC’s Acting Zonal Director in Ibadan, Assistant Commander Hauwa Garba Ringim, presented the items to Attiogbe on behalf of the Commission’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, during a brief ceremony at the Ibadan Zonal Directorate.

Speaking during the presentation, Olukoyede reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to due process and transparency.

“Obeying court orders is mandatory, and as an agency of the Federal Government, we understand its importance.

“What we are doing here today shows that the EFCC operates strictly within the law and remains committed to transparency and accountability,” he stated.

He further assured that the Commission would not relent in bringing financial criminals to justice.

“We will stop at nothing to ensure that anyone tarnishing the country’s image through fraudulent activities faces the full weight of the law,” he added.

In his response, Attiogbe expressed deep appreciation to the EFCC for restoring his hope in justice.

“I almost gave up, but the EFCC rekindled my faith after I filed my petition.

“I’m sincerely grateful to the Commission, especially the Ibadan Zonal Office, for its professionalism and integrity,” he said.

The recovery and return of the assets followed a final forfeiture order granted by Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, on November 13, 2024.

Alli, who was initially arraigned on a 33-count charge before it was later amended to one, was convicted and sentenced to three years in prison.

He was also ordered to sign an undertaking with the Department of State Services to maintain good behaviour and desist from future criminal acts.