EFCC returns recovered assets worth millions to Australian woman defrauded in romance scam

EFCC returns recovered assets worth millions to Australian woman defrauded in romance scam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned assets recovered from a convicted romance scammer to an Australian woman, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims of financial crimes and strengthening international confidence in the country’s anti-corruption efforts.

The recovered assets were formally handed over to Karo Rita Kazzi through her lawyer, Blessing Nwankwo, during a ceremony held at the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 on Wednesday.

Among the assets returned to the victim are a Lexus RX350 SUV, an iPhone 12 Pro Max, a gold wedding ring, a gold chain with a cross pendant, and a one-storey building comprising six self-contained apartments located in the Ajah area of Lagos.

The assets were recovered from Odey Steven Aleka, who was prosecuted and convicted for romance scam and obtaining money by false pretence after defrauding the Australian woman during their marriage.

According to the EFCC, the case began after Kazzi, through her legal representative, petitioned the commission, alleging that Aleka fraudulently obtained money and valuable assets from her under false pretences while they were married.

The anti-graft agency launched an investigation, which uncovered evidence leading to Aleka’s arrest, prosecution and eventual conviction before the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.

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The court sentenced Aleka to one year imprisonment with an option of a N1 million fine and also ordered the final forfeiture of the recovered assets to the Federal Government for restitution to the victim.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos Directorate 2, ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo, said the successful recovery demonstrates the commission’s commitment not only to prosecuting offenders but also to restoring stolen assets to victims whenever possible.

Kaltungo said the EFCC remains focused on ensuring that perpetrators of financial crimes do not benefit from the proceeds of their illegal activities, adding that asset recovery is a key component of the commission’s anti-corruption strategy.

He also commended the dedication of the investigators and prosecutors who handled the case, noting that the successful prosecution and restitution underscore the effectiveness of the commission’s efforts against cybercrime, romance fraud and other forms of financial crime.

Representing the victim, Blessing Nwankwo expressed appreciation to the EFCC for its professionalism and persistence throughout the investigation and prosecution. She described the return of the assets as a significant step toward justice for her client, who suffered financial and emotional losses as a result of the fraud.

The EFCC reiterated its warning to fraudsters involved in romance scams, internet fraud and other cyber-enabled crimes, stressing that offenders will continue to face investigation, prosecution, conviction and the forfeiture of illegally acquired assets.

The commission also urged members of the public, particularly those engaging in online relationships or cross-border financial transactions, to exercise caution, verify identities before making financial commitments and promptly report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.

The latest restitution highlights the EFCC’s increasing emphasis on asset recovery as part of its broader mandate to combat economic and financial crimes. In recent years, the commission has recovered and returned assets to victims within and outside Nigeria through cooperation with local courts, foreign governments and international law enforcement partners.

 

EFCC returns recovered assets worth millions to Australian woman defrauded in romance scam