EFCC Recovers ₦80m for Businessman in Land Fraud Case

EFCC Recovers ₦80m for Businessman in Land Fraud Case

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Benin Zonal Directorate, has recovered and handed over a draft of ₦80 million to a businessman, Ifeanyi Innocent Madueke, in connection with an alleged land fraud case.

The draft was presented to the 42-year-old businessman on Wednesday, September 24, 2026, by the Acting Zonal Director of the Benin Zonal Directorate, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad.

Madueke had purchased 146 acres of land in a community in Delta State from Austine Muanya Okafor for ₦232.8 million. However, he was reportedly unable to take possession of the property despite completing the payment.

According to the EFCC, Madueke subsequently approached Okafor for a refund but was unsuccessful, prompting him to petition the Commission.

Investigation by the EFCC established that Madueke had transferred the money to the suspect in three tranches.

Following the investigation and recovery efforts, the Commission recovered ₦80 million, which was subsequently handed over to Madueke.

Presenting the recovered funds, Sa’ad reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to professionalism and integrity in the discharge of its mandate, stressing that fraudsters would not be allowed to benefit from proceeds of fraudulent activities.

Receiving the draft, Madueke expressed appreciation to the EFCC, saying he had almost lost hope before petitioning the Commission.

“I am grateful to the Commission for what they have done. I had lost hope before I came to EFCC. I thank the management and staff for the good work they are doing,” he said.

EFCC Recovers ₦80m for Businessman in Land Fraud Case