EFCC returns N84m to Edo man defrauded in fake land deal
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over a draft worth ₦84 million to Ekhahon Abraham, recovering funds lost in a fraudulent land transaction in Edo State.
In a statement on Friday, the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate said operatives recovered the sum from one Anita Eborome, who allegedly sold Abraham a non-existent parcel of land.
“The Benin Zonal Directorate, EFCC on Friday September 25, 2026 handed over a draft of N84 million to Ekhahon Abraham, being the sum recovered by operatives of the Commission from one Anita Eborome,” the agency said.
According to the EFCC, the fraud centered on “an expanse of land measuring 115ft by 135ft” in a community in Edo State, which Eborome claimed she could sell to Abraham.
Abraham told investigators that after paying the ₦84 million, he moved to secure the property by erecting a perimeter fence—only for it to be pulled down by another man who claimed to be the rightful owner.
“Based on that incident, he sought for a refund of his money but met a brick wall as Eborome came evasive hence he was advised to petition the Commission,” the EFCC statement noted.
During its probe, the commission said it established that Abraham had transferred the money directly to Eborome, who then “diverted the money for her personal use” instead of completing any legitimate land transaction.
Presenting the recovery draft, Acting Zonal Director and Deputy Commander Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to pursuing financial criminals.
“The Commission will continue to discharge its duties professionally and deny fraudsters any opportunity to reap where they did not sow,” Sa’ad said.
