EFCC arraigns lovers over N35.9m theft in Edo

The PunchIndependentCenter2 hr. ago

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two young individuals, Marian Elia and Izuchukwu Uzoma, in a Federal High Court in Benin, Edo State, for the alleged theft of approximately 35.92 million Nigerian Naira. According to an official statement released by the agency, Elia, who was raised in the home of the victim, Mrs. Esther Ogbeifun, allegedly exploited her trusted position to gain unauthorized access to the victim's mobile phone and banking credentials. The EFCC alleges that Elia used these credentials to transfer funds from the victim's Moniepoint banking app into a United Bank for Africa account controlled by her partner, Uzoma. The pair faces seven counts related to cybercrime, conspiracy, and stealing under Nigeria's Cybercrime Act, having been charged based on investigations conducted by the commission's Benin Zonal Directorate. Both defendants entered not-guilty pleas during the arraignment proceedings presided over by Justice C.A. Obiozor. Consequently, the court ordered that both suspects be remanded in custody at the Benin Correctional Centre, with the next hearing scheduled for December 7.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a specific criminal case involving financial fraud and cybercrime. While the enforcement action is carried out by a state security agency (the EFCC), the content focuses strictly on legal procedures, court dates, and the specific allegations against private citizens ratherthan

Premium Times NigeriaIndependentCenter3 hr. ago

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a 19-year-old woman, Marian Elia, and her 21-year-old boyfriend, Izuchukwu Uzoma, at the Federal High Court in Benin City, Edo State, for the alleged theft of N35.92 million. The commission alleges that Elia, who had grown up in the home of the victim, Esther Ogbeifun, exploited her trusted position to access the victim's mobile phone and banking credentials. Between March and July 2026, the defendants allegedly used the victim's Moniepoint banking app to transfer funds into a United Bank for Africa account controlled by Uzoma. They face seven counts including conspiracy, cybercrime, and stealing under the Cybercrimes Act. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty and been remanded in custody until the next hearing scheduled for December 7.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a specific criminal prosecution handled by a federal law enforcement agency. While the involvement of a state institution places this within the broad scope of politics and public order, the content focuses strictly on legal proceedings, individual criminal allegations, and a