EFCC returns forfeited assets to Australian romance scam victim
The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over assets recovered from a convicted romance scammer to an Australian victim, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to securing justice and restitution for victims of financial crimes.
The assets were presented on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, to the victim, Karo Rita Kazzi, through her lawyer, Blessing Nwankwo, following the completion of all legal processes required for their release.
*EFCC officer handing over recovered assets to the Australian victim's lawyer, Blessing Nwankwo, on Wednesday, 15 July 2026.
Nkereuwem Effiong
The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over assets recovered from a convicted romance scammer to an Australian victim, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to securing justice and restitution for victims of financial crimes.
The assets were presented on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, to the victim, Karo Rita Kazzi, through her lawyer, Blessing Nwankwo, following the completion of all legal processes required for their release.
The recovered assets include a gold wedding ring, a gold chain with a cross pendant, an iPhone 12 Pro Max, a Lexus RX350 Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), and a one-storey building comprising six room-and-parlour self-contained apartments located along the Emedu–Awoyaya axis of Ajah, Lagos State.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I) Bawa Usman Kaltungo, said the commission remains committed to ensuring that victims of economic and financial crimes obtain justice and recover assets fraudulently taken from them wherever possible.
“The EFCC remains resolute in investigating, prosecuting and ensuring that perpetrators of economic and financial crimes are brought to justice. We are equally committed to helping victims recover assets lost through fraudulent activities,” Kaltungo said.
The handover followed a final forfeiture order granted on 12 March 2024 by Justice O. O. Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.
The case stemmed from allegations of romance fraud and obtaining by false pretence against Odey Steven Aleka. The petition was submitted to the EFCC by Nwankwo of Woke Attorney Law Firm on behalf of the Australian victim.
According to the commission, investigations revealed that Aleka, who had been married to the victim, fraudulently obtained valuable items and other assets from her through false representations.
Following the discovery of the alleged fraud, the victim engaged legal counsel, who initiated divorce proceedings and subsequently petitioned the EFCC for criminal investigation.
Upon concluding its investigation, the commission arraigned Aleka on charges bordering on romance fraud and obtaining by false pretence.
He was subsequently convicted by the court and sentenced to one year’s imprisonment, with the option of paying a ₦1 million fine.
The court also ordered the final forfeiture of all assets recovered from the convict to the Federal Government as restitution for the benefit of the victim.
Following the forfeiture order, the EFCC completed the legal procedures necessary to transfer the assets to the victim, culminating in Wednesday’s handover to her legal representative.
The commission described the exercise as part of its broader mandate to ensure that proceeds of crime are recovered and, where permitted by law, returned to victims.
The EFCC said the successful recovery and restitution demonstrate its resolve not only to prosecute offenders but also to minimise the financial and emotional losses suffered by victims of economic and financial crimes.
The handover underscores the growing importance of international cooperation in tackling cross-border fraud and ensuring that victims, regardless of nationality, receive justice through Nigeria’s legal system.
