RismadarVoice Reporters, July 3, 2026
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed how suspected internet fraudsters allegedly stole over N7.2 million from the bank account of a serving judge in the middle of the night.
Speaking at the launch of two books authored by retired High Court judge, Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye, Olukoyede said the judge contacted him around 1 a.m. after receiving multiple debit alerts on her phone.
According to him, the judge explained that the money, which had been saved over six years, was meant to fund her child’s education.
Olukoyede said the EFCC responded immediately and successfully recovered the entire sum before the end of the same day.
He noted that the incident occurred in a state where the commission had been restrained by a court order from investigating certain financial crimes but said the judge insisted urgent action be taken.
The EFCC chairman said the experience highlights the devastating impact of cybercrime and why Nigerians must support efforts to combat financial fraud.
He also called for stronger collaboration among law enforcement agencies, the judiciary and members of the public to tackle cybercrime more effectively.
Olukoyede further urged the National Assembly and legal experts to review existing laws to accommodate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in criminal investigations, noting that current legal provisions make it difficult for AI-generated evidence to be admitted in court.
At the event, former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), also urged anti-corruption agencies to intensify efforts to recover stolen public funds kept outside Nigeria.
