EFCC Charges Couple with N35.9 Million Theft in Edo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two individuals, Marian Elia, 19, and Izuchukwu Uzoma, 21, for the alleged theft of N35.92 million from Esther Ogbeifun in Benin, Edo State. The EFCC announced this on a Wednesday via its official X account, stating that the Benin Zonal Directorate brought the case before Justice C.A.

Obiozor of the Federal High Court. The defendants face a seven-count charge related to cybercrime, conspiracy, and stealing.

The EFCC claims that Elia, who had lived in Ogbeifun's home, accessed her banking information to transfer the funds to Uzoma's account. The commission detailed that Elia allegedly used Ogbeifun's Moniepoint Personal Banking App to execute the transfer between March 8 and July 29, resulting in significant financial loss to Ogbeifun.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty, and the court ordered their remand at the Benin Correctional Centre, with the case adjourned until December 7 for hearing.