On Friday, the Nigerian government returned $180,300 and 53 vehicles stolen by cyber criminals known as ‘Yahoo boys’ to representatives of the Canadian government.
The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, presented the funds and vehicles to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at the anti-graft agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Before the handover, Olukoyede explained that $164,000 of the returned amount was taken from Canadian victim Elena Bogomas in a romance scam. Additionally, $16,300 was stolen from Sandra Butler; one of the fraudsters used his illicit gains to purchase an estate, which was sold to recover her funds after his arrest and prosecution.
“This event highlights our commitment to combating financial crimes and fostering collaboration with international partners,” Olukoyede stated. “Financier crimes have evolved into a global concern, affecting individuals from both Africa and beyond.”
He emphasized the borderless nature of these crimes, stating, “Perpetrators use diverse methods to evade authorities across jurisdictions, making international collaboration essential. Countries around the world are engaged in fighting financial crimes, and today’s actions underscore this commitment.”
Olukoyede noted the longstanding collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, which has led to notable recoveries through joint operations.
Outlining the operation’s history to journalists, the anti-graft agency chairman remarked on the multi-year effort that ultimately yielded significant recoveries throughout Nigeria.
Olukoyede insisted that Nigeria should not be labeled a hub for financial crimes. “We do not tolerate such actions, and we will continue our crackdown on these criminals,” he asserted.
“Today, we commemorate the handover of assets recovered on behalf of the Canadian victims of cybercrime. This effort has taken years, resulting in a substantial recovery.”
He added, “We want our colleagues in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to understand that the EFCC and Nigeria are resolute in the fight against financial crimes. Nigeria is not merely a hub for these activities; it serves as a transit point—as do many countries around the globe—due to the fluidity of criminal networks.”
Today’s handover clearly demonstrates the Nigerian government’s intolerance for financial crimes. “We are committed to investigation, recovery, prosecution, and restitution for victims.”
The total of 53 vehicles and sums of money recovered on behalf of Canadian victims were presented, reaffirming the EFCC’s dedication to combating cybercrime. Olukoyede specifically mentioned the recovery of $164,000 owed to Elena Bogomas and an additional $16,000 taken from Sandra Butler.
