The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two lovers, Marian Elia, 19, and Izuchukwu Uzoma, 21, over the alleged theft of ₦35.92 million belonging to Esther Ogbeifun in Benin City, Edo State.
The EFCC disclosed in a statement that its Benin Zonal Directorate brought the defendants before Justice C.A. Obiozor of the Federal High Court on a seven-count charge bordering on cybercrime, conspiracy and stealing.
According to the commission, Elia, who allegedly grew up in the victim’s home, had access to her phones and banking details, which she was accused of using to transfer the money from the victim’s account into an account operated by Uzoma, her boyfriend.
The EFCC alleged that the transfers took place between March 8 and July 29, 2026, and that the defendants converted the money to their personal use.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following their pleas, prosecution counsel, I.M. Elodi, asked the court to fix a trial date and remand them in custody.
Justice Obiozor ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Benin Correctional Centre and adjourned the case until December 7 for hearing.
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