EFCC Hands Over Forfeited Assets to Australian Romance Scam Victim in Lagos
EFCC Hands Over Forfeited Assets to Australian Romance Scam Victim in Lagos
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| Photo credit: Economics and Financial Crime Commission (facebook) |
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken another significant step in its campaign against cyber-enabled financial crimes by officially handing over assets recovered from a convicted romance scammer to his Australian victim. The handover ceremony, conducted by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, highlights the Commission’s commitment not only to prosecuting fraudsters but also to ensuring that victims of financial crimes receive justice through the recovery of assets obtained by deception. The recovered properties were forfeited following the conviction of Odey Steven Aleka, who was found guilty of offences relating to romance scam and obtaining by false pretence.
The handover took place on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2. The assets were presented to Karo Rita Kazzi, an Australian citizen, through her legal representative, Blessing Nwankwo, after all legal procedures relating to the forfeiture had been completed.
The Commission described the handover as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure that victims of financial crimes recover assets fraudulently taken from them whenever possible.
According to the EFCC, the forfeited assets handed over include: A gold wedding ring. A gold chain with a cross pendant. An iPhone 12 Pro Max. A Lexus RX350 Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). A one-storey residential building comprising six room-and-parlour self-contained apartments located along the Emedu–Awoyaya axis of Ajah, Lagos State.
The Commission said the assets were linked to proceeds obtained through fraudulent representations made by the convict.
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| Photo credit: Economics and Financial Crime Commission (facebook) |
According to the EFCC, investigations began after a petition was submitted on behalf of the Australian victim by her lawyer, Blessing Nwankwo of Woke Attorney Law Firm. The petition alleged that the victim had been defrauded by Odey Steven Aleka, whom she had married. Investigators found that the convict allegedly obtained valuable assets from the victim through false representations during the course of their relationship. Following the discovery of the alleged fraud, the victim reportedly initiated divorce proceedings before petitioning the EFCC for criminal investigation.
The Commission subsequently launched an investigation that resulted in the prosecution of the suspect.
Following the conclusion of investigations, the EFCC arraigned Aleka on charges bordering on romance scam and obtaining by false pretence. He was later convicted by the court and sentenced to one year imprisonment, with the option of paying a ₦1 million fine. In addition to the conviction, Justice O. O. Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja granted a final forfeiture order covering all assets recovered from the convict.
The order directed that the forfeited assets be applied as restitution for the benefit of the Australian victim.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I) Bawa Usman Kaltungo, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims of economic and financial crimes. He emphasized that the EFCC remains dedicated to investigating, prosecuting, and recovering proceeds of crime while ensuring that victims are compensated whenever the law permits. According to him, asset recovery remains one of the Commission’s key priorities in the fight against corruption, cybercrime, and financial fraud.
Romance scams continue to affect thousands of people around the world each year. Fraudsters often exploit emotional relationships developed online to gain the trust of victims before persuading them to send money, valuables, or invest in fraudulent ventures.
Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly advised people to exercise caution when entering online relationships, particularly when financial requests begin to emerge. Experts also encourage victims to report suspected fraud promptly, as early reporting can improve the chances of tracing assets and recovering stolen property.
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The successful handover of forfeited assets to an Australian victim demonstrates the EFCC’s growing emphasis on victim restitution in addition to criminal prosecution. While the conviction of Odey Steven Aleka marks the legal conclusion of this particular case, it also serves as a reminder of the devastating emotional and financial consequences of romance scams.
Authorities continue to urge members of the public to remain vigilant, verify online identities, and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies before financial losses occur.
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