EFCC Returns Assets Seized From Romance Scammer To Australian Victim

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over assets recovered from a convicted romance scammer to an Australian woman defrauded by her former husband.

The assets were presented to the victim, Karo Rita Kazzi, through her lawyer, Blessing Nwankwo, during a ceremony at the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 on Wednesday.

The recovered assets include a Lexus RX350 SUV, an iPhone 12 Pro Max, a gold wedding ring, a gold chain with a cross pendant, and a one-storey building comprising six self-contained apartments in the Ajah area of Lagos.

The assets were recovered from Odey Steven Aleka, who was convicted of romance scam and obtaining money by false pretence.

According to the EFCC, the investigation began after the victim, through her lawyer, petitioned the commission, alleging that Aleka had fraudulently obtained money and valuables from her during their marriage.

The anti-graft agency said its investigation led to Aleka’s prosecution and conviction. He was sentenced to one year imprisonment with the option of a N1m fine.

A Special Offences Court in Ikeja also ordered the final forfeiture of the recovered assets as restitution for the benefit of the victim.

Speaking during the handover, the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos Directorate 2, ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo, said the commission remained committed to ensuring that victims of financial crimes receive justice and, where possible, recover assets obtained through fraud.