The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has handed over the sum of $22,000 that was recovered from Hakeem Olanrewaju, a convicted internet fraudster, to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).
In a statement issued on Saturday, the anti-graft agency said the money was handed over to the FBI in Lagos, as the victim, who was defrauded, resides in the US.
Nicholas Oweibo, the judge of the federal high court in Ikoyi, in August 2023, sentenced Olanrewaju to two years imprisonment for identity theft and impersonation.
Oweibo also directed that the money recovered from him be given back to his victim.
Whilst speaking during the handover ceremony in Lagos on Friday, Michael Wetkas, acting director of the Lagos zonal command of the EFCC, stated that the commission remains dedicated to fighting crimes and restoring sanity to the country.
“We are delighted to be handing over this proceeds of crime today,” Wetkas said, adding that “the EFCC is willing and always ready to do more”.
Charles Smith, FBI legal attaché in Nigeria, appreciated the EFCC for expediting the recovery of the money.
“This type of crime cripples businesses in the US, and for them to recover the money within one to two years gives hope to the affected companies and brings some level of justice, even if not all subjects have been identified,” Smith said.
“We hope our relationship continues and fosters a more cohesive partnership between the two agencies.”
Smith also said that the FBI is ready to support the investigation in any way that is feasible.