EFCC Returns N96.5m to Enugu Ponzi Victims, Warns Nigerians Against ‘Too-Good-To-Be-True’ Investments

|By Adejumo Adekunle

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned N96.5 million to victims of a collapsed ponzi scheme in Enugu State, reinforcing its drive to recover stolen funds and restore confidence among fraud victims.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the recovery on Friday in Abuja, stating that the refund followed petitions filed on September 30, 2024, by Chijioke Ngwu and others against Oyubu Akpojewve, also known as Justice Nonso Chima, Managing Director of Leverage Index Limited.

According to the victims, Akpojewve deceived investors with promises of mouthwatering monthly profits under two forex investment formats tagged Monthly Plan and Live Trading. Investors were assured returns ranging from 8 per cent to 10 per cent after depositing a minimum of N2.5 million. Shortly after collecting funds, the suspect allegedly shut down operations and became unreachable.

Oyewale said operatives swiftly tracked and uncovered the fraudulent scheme, revealing how Akpojewve and his associates conspired to fleece unsuspecting investors of millions.

While presenting the recovered funds in Enugu, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, represented by Zonal Director Daniel Isei, vowed that the Commission would continue to deny fraudsters their loot and ensure victims regain their investments.

He cautioned Nigerians to remain vigilant:

“Some offers may look too good to be real. We should not be in a hurry to double our money overnight. Let this serve as a lesson and encouragement that the EFCC is working for you.”

Beneficiaries expressed relief, praising the EFCC’s diligence and transparency.

• Ukwu Ernest Ikechukwu received N19.9 million

• Ikechukwu Ogbunubi received N10 million

• Temple Lewis Maduka received N7.5 million

• Ngwu A. received N19.4 million

• Alphonsus Umeh received N7 million

They jointly applauded the anti-graft agency’s dogged pursuit of justice, describing the refund as a lifeline after months of financial distress.