Justice Served as EFCC Returns Stolen N42.5 Million to Elderly Widow
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has achieved a significant victory for financial justice in Kaduna, successfully recovering and returning N42.5 million to a 70-year-old widow who fell victim to her trusted bank officer.
In a heartwarming ceremony that took place on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the EFCC's Kaduna Zonal Directorate, Acting Director Bawa Kaltungo presented a bank draft to Mrs. Margret Taye Odofin, bringing closure to a painful chapter of financial exploitation.
The Deceptive Investment Scheme
The nightmare began when Mrs. Kehinde Olawale Yusuf, who served as Mrs. Odofin's account and investment officer at one of Nigeria's new generation banks, allegedly orchestrated an elaborate fraud scheme between November and December 2020.
According to the petition filed by the widow in December 2024, the banker convinced her to invest in what turned out to be ponzi businesses, promising attractive quarterly returns of N1.7 million. The reality, however, was far more sinister.
Unknown to the elderly retiree, the trusted bank officer was systematically draining her accounts, eventually transferring a staggering N47 million to various unauthorized bank accounts without her knowledge or consent.
The Escape and Recovery Mission
When Mrs. Odofin began asking questions about the suspicious transactions, Mrs. Yusuf reportedly cut off all communication and fled the country, escaping to the United Kingdom in what appeared to be a successful attempt to evade justice.
However, the EFCC demonstrated its commitment to fighting financial crimes regardless of geographical boundaries. The commission's investigators doggedly pursued the case, tracing and recovering the stolen assets despite the suspect's international flight.
The successful recovery operation was conducted under the leadership of EFCC's Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, showcasing the agency's determination to protect vulnerable citizens from financial predators.
Restoring Hope and Justice
During the handover ceremony, an emotional Mrs. Odofin expressed overwhelming gratitude to the EFCC and Chairman Olukoyede for their relentless efforts in recovering her life savings.
This case serves as a powerful warning to financial professionals who might consider exploiting their positions of trust, while simultaneously offering hope to fraud victims that recovery is possible through proper channels.
The EFCC continues to demonstrate its capacity to tackle complex financial crimes and bring relief to Nigerians who have suffered from various forms of economic exploitation.
