EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede has revealed how suspected internet fraudsters allegedly stole N7.2 million from a judge’s bank account in Nigeria.
ABUJA, NIGERIA — Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has narrated how suspected internet fraudsters allegedly stole N7.2 million from the bank account of a serving judge. According to the EFCC chairman, the money was meant to pay the judge’s child’s school fees before it was illegally withdrawn by the suspects.
Speaking during a public engagement on financial crime, Olukoyede said investigators traced the fraudulent transaction and recovered the stolen funds. According to him, the commission acted quickly after receiving the complaint and successfully returned the money to the victim. He used the incident to highlight the growing sophistication of internet-related financial crimes in Nigeria.
Olukoyede said the case demonstrates that anyone can become a victim of online fraud regardless of social status or profession. He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant when handling financial information and warned young people against engaging in internet fraud. According to him, the EFCC will continue to strengthen investigations and prosecute individuals involved in financial crimes across the country.
Internet fraud remains one of Nigeria’s major economic and security challenges, with the EFCC regularly arresting and prosecuting suspects linked to online financial crimes. The commission has repeatedly warned members of the public to protect their banking details, avoid suspicious online transactions and report fraudulent activities promptly. Authorities also continue to collaborate with financial institutions and technology firms to improve fraud detection and recovery efforts.
The development means the EFCC is intensifying efforts to combat financial crimes while reassuring victims that stolen funds can sometimes be recovered through prompt investigations. The case also highlights the importance of stronger cybersecurity awareness and stricter financial safeguards as digital transactions become more common across Nigeria.
