The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned ₦84 million to an Edo State businessman, Ekhahon Abraham, following an investigation into an alleged land fraud.
The EFCC said the money was recovered from a woman identified as Anita Eborome, who allegedly collected the funds from Abraham under the pretence of selling him a parcel of land measuring 115ft by 135ft in a community in Edo State.
According to the commission, Abraham paid for the property and subsequently erected a perimeter fence on the land. However, the fence was later demolished by a man who claimed to be the rightful owner of the property.
Abraham reportedly approached Eborome to request a refund but said she became evasive. He subsequently petitioned the EFCC, which commenced an investigation. The commission said its investigation established that Abraham had transferred the ₦84 million to Eborome, who allegedly diverted the money for her personal use.
The acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Deputy Commander Sa’ad Hanafi, presented a draft for the recovered ₦84 million to Abraham. Hanafi reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to carrying out its duties professionally and ensuring that individuals involved in fraudulent activities do not benefit from the proceeds of their alleged wrongdoing.
