Two young lovers have been remanded in prison custody after being arraigned before the Federal High Court in Benin City over an alleged ₦35.92 million electronic transfer fraud.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through its Benin Zonal Directorate, brought 19-year-old Marian Elia and her 21-year-old boyfriend, Izuchukwu Uzoma, before Justice C. A. Obiozor on a seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy, cybercrime, and stealing.
According to court filings and statements released by the anti-graft agency, the fraudulent scheme unfolded between March 8 and July 29, 2026, in Benin City, Edo State.
Investigators revealed that Elia, who grew up under the care of the victim, Mrs. Esther Ogbeifun, exploited her intimate household access to confidential banking details and mobile devices. Prosecution documents indicate that Elia accessed Ogbeifun’s Moniepoint personal banking application and executed illicit electronic fund transfers totaling ₦35,920,000.
The diverted funds were repeatedly channeled into a United Bank for Africa (UBA) account operated by Uzoma. The EFCC alleges that both defendants subsequently converted the proceeds to their personal use, causing severe financial loss to the victim.
The primary charge against Elia alleges an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 33(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, as amended in 2024.
Appearing before Justice Obiozor, both Elia and Uzoma entered pleas of “not guilty” to all seven charges.
Following the pleas, EFCC Prosecution Counsel I. M. Elodi requested the court to fix a trial date and order the remand of the defendants in a correctional center pending the determination of the case.
Justice Obiozor granted the prosecution’s application and ordered that both defendants be remanded at the Benin Correctional Centre in Benin City. The judge adjourned the matter until December 7, 2026, for the commencement of full trial proceedings.
