December 05, (THEWILL) — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Friday, handed over ₦96.5 million to victims of a fraudulent forex-based ponzi scheme in Enugu State, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring justice and restitution for Nigerians defrauded by investment scams.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Abuja, noting that the recovery followed a petition dated September 30, 2024, filed by Chijioke Ngwu and others against one Oyubu Akpojewve, also known as Justice Nonso Chima, the Managing Director of Leverage Index Limited.
The petitioners alleged that Akpojewve lured them with two purported investment packages — The Monthly Plan and Live Trading, promising unrealistic profits from forex trading.
Under the Monthly Plan, investors were required to pay a minimum of ₦2.5 million with a purported monthly return of ₦200,000. The Live Trading option promised a 10 percent profit on any amount deposited for same-day trading.
According to the victims, the suspect portrayed himself as a registered forex trader but became evasive after collecting funds, claiming he had disagreements with trading partners before shutting down his office and disappearing.
Oyewale said EFCC operatives swung into action and uncovered evidence showing that Akpojewve conspired with accomplices to defraud unsuspecting investors of their money.
At the EFCC Enugu Zonal Command, where the recovered funds were presented to victims, the Commission’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, reiterated the agency’s determination to ensure that fraudsters are denied access to the proceeds of crime and that victims receive restitution.
Represented by Daniel Isei, the Enugu Zonal Director, Olukoyede also cautioned Nigerians against falling for schemes that promise unrealistic profits.
“We should be more circumspect and vigilant during every business proposal. Some offers look too good to be real. We should not be in a hurry to double our money overnight. I hope this serves as encouragement that the EFCC is working for you, and also as a learning point to share with your families and communities”, he said.
Some of the beneficiaries who received bank drafts expressed gratitude to the EFCC for its transparency and dedication. Ukwu Ernest Ikechukwu, who received ₦19.9 million, praised the Commission for restoring hope to victims. Another recipient, Ikechukwu Ogbunubi, who collected ₦10 million, commended the EFCC’s “dogged efforts” in recovering the full amount.
Other recipients include Temple Lewis Maduka (₦7.5 million), Ngwu A. (₦19.4 million), and Alphonsus Umeh (₦7 million), among others.
The EFCC said efforts are ongoing to apprehend all those involved in the scheme and ensure they are brought to justice.
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