The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has restored hope to a 70-year-old widow by returning N42.5 million she lost to fraud at the hands of her trusted banker. The elated septuagenarian, Mrs. Margret Taye Odofin, tearfully declared, “Justice still works in Nigeria.”
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The recovered funds, presented as a bank draft, were handed over to Mrs. Odofin on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the EFCC’s Kaduna Zonal Command. Acting Director Bawa Kaltungo represented EFCC Executive Chairman Mr. Ola Olukoyede during the emotional handover.
Mrs. Odofin, a retiree, first approached the EFCC in December 2024 after uncovering the betrayal by her account and investment officer, Mrs. Kehinde Olawale Yusuf, at a new-generation bank. In 2020, Yusuf allegedly enticed the widow into a bogus investment scheme promising quarterly returns of N1.7 million. Instead, the scammer siphoned off N47 million from Odofin’s savings, transferring it to various unauthorized accounts.
Yusuf reportedly fled to the United Kingdom upon discovery of the fraud. Through meticulous investigations, EFCC operatives tracked her down, leading to the partial recovery of the stolen funds N42.5 million out of the total defrauded amount.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Mrs. Odofin broke down in tears while receiving the draft. “I cannot believe this is happening,” she shared. “When we reported the case in the UK, we were told the offense was committed in Nigeria and that only the EFCC could help. Today, God has used the Commission to wipe away my tears.”
The widow, who had waited years for restitution of her hard-earned savings, vowed to advocate for the EFCC. “I will campaign for the EFCC anywhere because they have proven that justice still works in Nigeria.”
Kaltungo emphasized the agency’s dedication under Olukoyede’s leadership. “This recovery demonstrates our professionalism and capacity to resolve cases within our mandate,” he stated. “We appreciate you for trusting the Commission. Under the current administration, the EFCC remains committed to pursuing financial criminals and ensuring victims get justice, no matter how long it takes.”
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