The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Benin Zonal Directorate, has arraigned two lovers, Marian Elia, 19, and Izuchukwu Uzoma, 21, before a Federal High Court in Benin City over the alleged theft and conversion of N35.92 million belonging to one Mrs. Esther Ogbeifun.
The defendants were docked before Justice C. A. Obiozor on a multi-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unauthorized access to financial data, and fraudulent conversion of funds.
According to the prosecution, the 19-year-old Elia allegedly gained unauthorized access to the victim’s mobile banking application to siphon the funds. The EFCC stated that the suspect subsequently transferred the N35.92 million into a bank account operated by her boyfriend, Uzoma, after which both suspects allegedly converted the money to their personal use.
The anti-graft agency alleged that the offenses committed violate relevant provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act and the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act.
When the charges were read to them in court, both Elia and Uzoma entered pleas of not guilty.
Following their pleas, the prosecution counsel, I. M. Elodi, urged the court to fix a trial date and order the remand of the accused persons in a custodial facility pending trial.
”In view of the non-guilty plea of the defendants, we pray the court for a trial date and that the defendants be remanded in the correctional facility,” prosecution counsel I. M. Elodi submitted to the court.
Justice Obiozor ordered that the two defendants be remanded at the Benin Correctional Centre, Benin City, and adjourned the matter until December 7, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
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