The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought charges against a 19-year-old woman, Marian Elia, and her 21-year-old boyfriend, Izuchukwu Uzoma, over the alleged diversion of N35.92 million belonging to Esther Ogbeifun in Edo State.
The duo appeared before the Federal High Court in Benin City, presided over by Justice C.A. Obiozor, on a seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and cybercrime.
The EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate disclosed the development in a statement published on the commission’s official X account on Wednesday.
According to the anti-graft agency, Elia allegedly used her access to the victim’s mobile phones and banking details to transfer funds from Ogbeifun’s account into an account operated by Uzoma.
The commission said Elia grew up in the victim’s household and allegedly exploited the access she had to the woman’s financial information to carry out the transactions.
The EFCC further alleged that the defendants converted the money to their personal use.
One of the charges specifically accused Elia of using Ogbeifun’s Moniepoint personal banking application to transfer a total of N35,920,000 into a United Bank for Africa account allegedly operated by Uzoma.
The transactions were said to have occurred between March 8 and July 29, 2026, in Benin City.
The commission said the alleged conduct contravened Section 33(2)(c) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, as amended in 2024.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following their pleas, the prosecution counsel, I.M. Elodi, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendants in a correctional facility pending further proceedings.
Justice Obiozor granted the request and ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Benin Correctional Centre.
The court adjourned the case until December 7 for hearing.
The defendants remain presumed innocent unless and until their guilt is established by a court of competent jurisdiction.
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