The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has returned a draft worth N84 million to an Edo State businessman, Ekhahon Abraham, following the recovery of the funds from a woman identified as Anita Eborome.
The EFCC disclosed the development in a statement posted on its official X account on Friday, explaining that the money was recovered by its operatives from Eborome during an investigation into a land transaction.
According to the commission, Abraham had paid Eborome N84 million for a parcel of land measuring 115 feet by 135 feet in a community in Edo State.
After completing the payment, Abraham reportedly constructed a perimeter fence around the property. However, the fence was later demolished by a man who claimed to be the rightful owner of the land.
The businessman subsequently demanded a refund from Eborome but was unsuccessful, as she allegedly became evasive. He was then advised to petition the EFCC over the matter.
The commission said its investigation established that Abraham had transferred the money to Eborome, who subsequently diverted the funds for her personal use.
Presenting the recovered funds to Abraham, the acting Zonal Director and Deputy Commander of the EFCC, Sa’ad Hanafi, said the commission would continue to carry out its responsibilities professionally.
Hanafi added that the EFCC would ensure that fraudsters were denied opportunities to benefit from proceeds they did not legitimately earn.