EFCC Returns Forfeited Assets to Australian Scam Victim

On Wednesday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Lagos handed over forfeited assets to Odei Steven Aleka, an Australian citizen and convicted romance scammer. The assets included a gold wedding ring, a gold chain, a cross pendant, an iPhone 12 Pro Max, and a Lexus RX350 SUV.

This handover followed a final forfeiture order granted by a special court in Ikeja, Lagos, on March 12, 2024. The case involved allegations against Aleka for obtaining valuables under false pretenses from the victim.

Bless Nwankwo, representing the victim, noted that Aleka had fraudulently obtained these assets while misrepresenting himself. The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that victims of economic and financial crimes receive justice and restitution.

Following the completion of the legal process, the EFCC was able to release the forfeited assets to the victim's legal representatives.