The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned the sum of N42.5 million to Mrs. Margret Taye Odofin, a 70-year-old widow and retiree, who was defrauded by her bank’s investment officer, Mrs. Kehinde Olawale Yusuf, in Kaduna.
The refund, made via a bank draft, was formally presented to Mrs. Odofin on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the EFCC Kaduna Zonal Directorate by Acting Director Bawa Kaltungo, on behalf of the Commission’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.
According to EFCC investigators, Mrs. Odofin had in December 2024 petitioned the Commission after discovering that her account officer at a new-generation bank, Yusuf, had fraudulently diverted N47 million from her account under the guise of helping her invest in profitable schemes.
Yusuf allegedly persuaded the widow between November and December 2020 to invest her retirement savings in a Ponzi scheme, promising her N1.7 million in quarterly returns. However, instead of investing the funds, the suspect diverted the money into several personal and third-party accounts.
When confronted, Yusuf reportedly fled the country to the United Kingdom, cutting all ties with the victim. Despite her escape, the EFCC launched a painstaking investigation, traced part of the stolen funds, and successfully recovered N42.5 million.
An emotional Mrs. Odofin, who wept during the presentation, praised the EFCC for restoring her hope in justice.
“I cannot believe this is happening. When we reported the case in the United Kingdom, where Mrs. Kehinde Yusuf fled after defrauding me, we were told the crime was committed in Nigeria and advised to contact the EFCC,” she recounted.
“Today, I am singing to the glory of God because He has used the EFCC to wipe away my tears. I will keep campaigning for the Commission anywhere because they have proven that they truly work for justice.”
Speaking at the handover, Kaltungo commended Mrs. Odofin for trusting the Commission with her case and reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to protecting citizens from financial fraud.
“We are happy that we have been able to restore your confidence in the system. Under the leadership of Mr. Olukoyede, the EFCC remains resolute in ensuring that justice is served and victims are compensated,” he said.
The EFCC assured that investigations into the case are ongoing and that efforts would continue to track down Yusuf and bring her to justice despite her relocation abroad.
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