EFCC Returns House, Lexus SUV, Jewellery to Australian Victim of Romance Scam
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over forfeited assets, including a house, Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), jewellery, and other valuables, to an Australian woman who was defrauded by a convicted romance scammer, reaffirming its commitment to securing justice and restitution for victims of financial crimes.
The assets were officially presented to the victim, Karo Rita Kazzi, through her legal counsel, Blessing Nwankwo, during a ceremony held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2.The recovered assets include a one-storey building comprising six room-and-parlour self-contained apartments located along the Emedu–Awoyaya axis of Ajah, Lagos State, a Lexus RX350 SUV, a gold wedding ring, a gold chain with a cross pendant, and an iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Speaking during the handover, 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 receive justice and recover assets fraudulently obtained from them wherever possible.He stressed that the anti-graft agency would continue to investigate, prosecute, and secure convictions against perpetrators of financial crimes, adding that romance scams and other forms of internet fraud would not be tolerated. The handover followed a final forfeiture order granted by Justice O. O. Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on March 12, 2024.The case arose from allegations of romance scam and obtaining by false pretence against Odey Steven Aleka, who fraudulently acquired valuables and other assets from the Australian victim while they were married.
According to the EFCC, the victim, after discovering the fraudulent scheme, engaged the services of her lawyer, initiated divorce proceedings, and subsequently petitioned the Commission for investigation.Following a thorough investigation, Aleka was arraigned before the court on charges bordering on romance scam and obtaining by false pretence. He was convicted and sentenced to one year imprisonment, with an option of a ₦1 million fine.
The court also ordered the final forfeiture of all assets recovered from the convict to the Federal Government of Nigeria as restitution for the benefit of the Australian victim.After completing all legal procedures required for the release of the assets, the EFCC formally handed them over to the victim through her legal representative, bringing the restitution process to a successful conclusion.
The development highlights the Commission’s continued efforts to combat romance scams, dismantle fraud networks, and ensure that victims, both within and outside Nigeria, receive justice and compensation for losses incurred through financial crimes.
