German Victim of Scam Seeks Tinubu’s Intervention Over Return of Recovered Funds

A German victim of Advanced Fee Fraud, commonly known as 419 in Nigeria, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure the return of her recovered funds by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Petra Goseffeinor, the victim, is seeking the return of €3,000 that was recovered from a fraudster who had previously swindled her out of €130,000.

Goseffeinor’s ordeal began in 2018, when she was duped by a Nigerian fraudster she met online. She reported the incident to the EFCC in March 2021, but despite several follow-ups, the case seemed to languish. The fraudster was arrested in October 2021 after Goseffeinor pressured the agency, but was soon released on bail. However, the case reportedly saw no significant progress until further intervention by Goseffeinor in 2023.

Goseffeinor explained that the accused was arrested again in April 2023, and she was subsequently invited to provide testimony in October 2023. Despite her efforts, she claims that the EFCC has been slow to act on the case, subjecting her to ongoing frustration. She fears that the agency may be compromised, as she has not been given any information about the money that had been recovered from the fraudster.

“I would like to ask the question, why is it taking so long for the confiscated money from the perpetrator to be held by the EFCC until it is returned to the victims?” Goseffeinor questioned. “EFCC promised me they would give me the first money they confiscated. We made an application almost six months ago, but nothing has happened until now. I want a verdict and my money back.”

The victim also expressed concerns about the delay in court proceedings, with dates reportedly being postponed, causing further psychological distress. She has made an urgent appeal for President Tinubu’s intervention to ensure that justice is served and her funds are returned.