EFCC hands over recovered assets to fraud victim after convicting fake spiritualist who defrauded him of over ₦200m in Ibadan

EFCC hands over recovered assets worth millions of naira to a defrauded businessman in Ibadan, marking another decisive move by the Commission to return stolen wealth to its rightful owners.

Also read: EFCC asset recovery hits ₦500bn in Tinubu Administration

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday handed over three properties, two luxury vehicles, and ₦1.1 million in cash to Daniel Babatunde Attiogbe, a victim of notorious self-acclaimed spiritualist Fatai Olalere Alli, also known as Baba Abore or Baba Osun.

According to the EFCC, the recovery followed a court order obtained after Alli was convicted of defrauding Attiogbe of more than ₦200 million under the pretence of performing spiritual cleansing to avert visions of “untimely death.”

The recovered properties include a five-bedroom duplex with an adjoining three-bedroom bungalow at Kasumu Village, Odo-Ona Elewe, Ibadan; a bungalow containing two sets of three-bedroom flats at Plot 182, Block D, Lapiti Layout, Akanran Road, Amuloko; and another three-bedroom bungalow at Idi Ayunre Village in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Also presented were a grey Honda Pilot SUV (registration number LND 696 CK) and a Toyota Corolla saloon, along with ₦1.1 million in cash.

At a brief handover ceremony held at the EFCC’s Ibadan Zonal Directorate, Acting Zonal Director Hauwa Garba Ringim presented the items to Attiogbe on behalf of the Commission’s Executive Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede.

Olukoyede, represented by Ringim, reaffirmed the EFCC’s strict adherence to due process, stressing that the exercise underscores the agency’s integrity and transparency.

“Obeying court orders is mandatory, and as an agency of the Federal Government, we understand its importance — that is what we are doing here today. This demonstrates that the EFCC carries out its activities within the ambit of the law,” he said.

He further pledged that the Commission would continue to pursue financial criminals relentlessly, describing the victory as a powerful reminder that deceitful acts will not go unpunished.

“We will stop at nothing to ensure that any fraudulent person tarnishing the image of the country through deceitful acts is brought to justice,” Olukoyede added.

Receiving the recovered assets, Attiogbe expressed deep gratitude to the EFCC, saying the action had restored his faith in justice.

“I almost gave up, but the EFCC rekindled my hope after I submitted my petition. I sincerely thank the Commission, especially the Ibadan Zonal Office, for its professionalism and integrity,” he said.

The recovery was executed following a final forfeiture order granted by Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, on 13 November 2024.

Alli, who was initially arraigned on 33 counts of fraud before the charges were amended to one, was convicted and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

He was also ordered to sign an undertaking with the Department of State Services (DSS) to maintain good behaviour and desist from further criminal activity.