The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has handed over three properties, two luxury vehicles, and the sum of N1.1 million to a fraud victim, Mr. Daniel Babatunde Attiogbe, following a court order mandating restitution of assets recovered from a convicted fraudster, Fatai Olalere Alli (popularly known as Baba Abore or Baba Osun).

The assets, recovered by the Advance Fee Fraud Section of the EFCC’s Ibadan Zonal Directorate, were formally presented to the victim at a brief ceremony held in the Directorate’s conference hall.

The handover was performed by the Acting Zonal Director, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I) Hauwa Garba Ringim, on behalf of the Commission’s Chairman.

The recovered properties included a five-bedroom duplex with a three-bedroom bungalow at Kasumu Village, Odo-Ona Elewe, Ibadan; a two-unit three-bedroom bungalow located on Plot 182, Block D, Lapiti Layout, Akanran Road, Amuloko, Ibadan; and a three-bedroom bungalow situated at Idi Ayunre Village, Oluyole Local Government Area, Ibadan.

Also handed over were two vehicles—a grey Honda Pilot SUV (Chassis No. 2HKY18414H621545, Registration No. LND 696 CK) and a Toyota Corolla saloon (Chassis No. 2T1BU40E49C142502).

Speaking during the presentation, Olukoyede said the restitution was carried out in obedience to a final forfeiture order issued by the Federal High Court, Ibadan, describing it as a demonstration of the Commission’s respect for the rule of law and its commitment to justice.

“Obeying court orders is mandatory. As an agency of the Federal Government, we operate strictly within the law. Today’s handover reaffirms the EFCC’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. We remain resolute in combating economic and financial crimes and ensuring that fraudsters who tarnish Nigeria’s image are brought to justice,” Olukoyede said.

Receiving the documents of ownership, Mr. Attiogbe expressed gratitude to the EFCC for its diligence and professionalism throughout the investigation and prosecution process.

“I almost gave up hope. But the EFCC rekindled my faith in justice. I thank the Commission, especially the Ibadan Zonal Office, for their unwavering commitment to fighting corruption,” Attiogbe said.

Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, had on November 13, 2024, ordered the final forfeiture of the assets to the victim after finding Alli guilty of defrauding Attiogbe of over N200 million under the pretext of performing spiritual cleansing to avert visions of untimely death.

Alli, who was initially arraigned on a 33-count charge, was later convicted of a single amended count of fraud. He was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and directed to enter an undertaking with the Department of State Services (DSS) to maintain good conduct and desist from any future criminal activity.

The EFCC’s restitution, coming nearly six years after the case began in 2019, has been hailed by observers as a reaffirmation of the Commission’s resolve to ensure that victims of financial crimes receive justice and restitution. (The Guardian)