The Ag. Zonal Director, Benin Zonal Directorate, Deputy Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), DCE Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, on Tuesday, handed over a draft of N64,800,000 to Uzoechina Vincent Anene, being funds recovered by operatives of the Commission for him.
Anene, 59, a dealer in petroleum products had petitioned the Commission that in October 2024 one Adegboyega Adebanbo defrauded him of N65,700,000 under the pretence that he could supply him with 90,000 litres of Neptha (condensate).
However, upon transfer of the money, the products were not supplied and efforts to recover the money proved abortive.
During investigation, the Commission discovered that Adebanbo had travelled out of the country but transferred the sum of N64,800, 000 to the account of the wife of his business associate Ekundayo Akinseye, who in turn transferred the same to other accounts. The Commission traced the various accounts and recovered the money.
Presenting the draft, the Ag Zonal Director cautioned Nigerians to be circumspect to avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
“The Commission will continue to discharge its responsibilities professionally and bring fraudsters to book.
“We also use this opportunity to caution Nigerians to be alert of fraudsters who parade themselves as business men and suppliers of products, people should be careful of them because some of them are fraudsters.”
Anene, who was filled with joy, commended the Commission for its intervention.
According to him, he was impressed by the professionalism exhibited by the Commission’s operatives. “Your character is worthy of emulation”, he said.
The suspects have been charged to court.
(EFCC)
