EFCC Arraigns Young Lovers Over Alleged N35.9m Theft in Benin
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two lovers, Marian Elia, 19, and Izuchukwu Uzoma, 21, before the Federal High Court in Benin City, Edo State, over the alleged theft of N35.92 million belonging to one Mrs Esther Ogbeifun.
The defendants were arraigned by the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate on a seven-count charge bordering on cybercrime, conspiracy and stealing.
According to the commission, Elia, who grew up in the victim’s home, allegedly exploited her access to Ogbeifun’s mobile phones and banking information to transfer the money from the victim’s account into an account belonging to her boyfriend, Uzoma.
The EFCC alleged that the defendants subsequently converted the funds to their personal use.
One of the charges stated that between March 8 and July 29, 2026, in Benin City, Elia allegedly used the victim’s Moniepoint Personal Banking application to transfer a total of N35,920,000 into an account domiciled with United Bank for Africa (UBA) and operated by Uzoma.
The commission said the alleged action resulted in financial losses to Ogbeifun and constituted an offence punishable under Section 33(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, as amended in 2024.
When the charges were read to the defendants, both pleaded not guilty.
Following their pleas, prosecution counsel, I.M. Elodi, asked the court to fix a date for trial and remand the defendants in a correctional facility.
Justice C.A. Obiozor subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Benin Correctional Centre in Benin City.
The court adjourned the case until December 7, 2026, for hearing.
