The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently handed over $22,000recovered from a convicted internet fraudster, Hakeem Ayotunde Olanrewaju, to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) in Lagos. The victim, who was defrauded, resides in the United States. The money was originally seized from Olanrewaju, who was sentenced to two years in prison for identity theft and impersonation
In a statement on Saturday, the EFCC said the money was handed over to the FBI in Lagos. In August 2023, Nicholas Oweibo, the judge of the federal high court in Ikoyi, sentenced Olanrewaju to two years imprisonment for identity theft and impersonation.
The judge also ordered that the money recovered from him be restituted to his victim.
Speaking during the handover ceremony in Lagos, Michael Wetkas, acting director of the Lagos zonal command of the EFCC, said the commission remains dedicated to combating crimes and restoring sanity to the nation.
“We are delighted to be handing over this proceeds of crime today,” Wetkas said, adding that “the EFCC is willing and always ready to do more”.
Charles Smith, FBI legal attaché in Nigeria, thanked the EFCC for facilitating the recovery of the money.
“This type of crime cripples businesses in the US, and for them to recover the money within one to two years gives hope to the affected companies and brings some level of justice, even if not all subjects have been identified,” Smith said.
“We hope our relationship continues and fosters a more cohesive partnership between the two agencies.”
The collaborative efforts between the EFCC and FBI play a crucial role in combating crimes and restoring sanity to the nation.
