How EFCC assists Japanese to recover ¥370, 000, US$1,800 from fraudster

*Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission says an investigation confirmed Evans Ewean-Obayagbona really duped the Japanese, but the proceeds of crime were wired to him through the accounts of his accomplices

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Poised to sanitise the country’s financial system to ensure a conducive investment climate for foreigners while shoring up its image in the international system, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials have helped Japanese Hatsumi Ozeki recover ¥370, 000, $1,800 USD from a Nigerian fraudster, identified as Evans Ewean-Obayagbona.

It was learnt the anti-graft said the money dishonestly obtained from Ozeki was returned to him through officials of the Japanese Embassy Thursday, April 1 in Abuja, FCT.

On how the EFCC got involved in the matter, the regulatory agency disclosed that the money was recovered after Ozeki lodged a complaint January 19, 2019.

According to the agency, investigation confirmed that Evans Ewean-Obayagbona actually duped the Japanese, but the proceeds of crime were wired to him through the accounts of his accomplices, including Samson Okonofua, Osifo Onaiwi-Kelly and Igbenedion Iyobor Mikel.

Abdulkarim Chukkol, Director of Operations, speaking when handing over the money to officials of the Japanese Embassy at the EFCC Headquarters, Abuja, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to the fight against cybercrimes and other forms of financial crimes.

The agency is poised to sanitise the nation’s financial system to ensure an investment climate conducive to foreign investors, said Chukkol.

The representative of the Japanese Embassy expressed appreciation to the EFCC for the feat recorded in recovering the money.

The official also commended the EFCC’s commitment to fighting corruption in the country.