EFCC office
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Benin Zonal Directorate, on Wednesday handed over a bank draft of ₦80 million to a businessman, Ifeanyi Innocent Madueke, following the recovery of funds paid for an undelivered land transaction.
The draft was presented at the Benin Zonal Directorate by the Acting Zonal Director and Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad.
Madueke, a 42-year-old businessman, had entered an agreement with one Austine Muanya Okafor to purchase 146 acres of land located in a Delta State community for the sum of ₦232,800,000.00.
According to the Commission, Madueke paid the agreed sum to the suspect in three separate financial tranches. However, after completing the payment, all efforts by Madueke to take physical possession and ownership of the property proved unsuccessful.
When attempts to secure a direct refund from Okafor met a brick wall, Madueke petitioned the EFCC to intervene. Investigations launched by operatives of the Benin Directorate subsequently led to the recovery of the ₦80 million portion of the funds.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, DCE Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad assured the public of the Commission’s resolve to uphold professional standards and combat economic crime.
“The Commission will continue to discharge its duties professionally and with utmost integrity,” Sa’ad stated, emphasizing that “fraudsters will never be allowed to reap where they did not sow.”
Expressing appreciation upon receiving the bank draft, Madueke commended the EFCC for its prompt action, revealing that he had nearly given up on recovering his money prior to filing the petition.
“I am grateful to the Commission for what they have done,” Madueke said. “I had lost hope before I came to EFCC. I thank the management and staff for the good work they are doing.”
