The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a 19-year-old woman, Marian Elia, and her 21-year-old boyfriend, Izuchukwu Uzoma, before Justice C. A. Obiozor at the Federal High Court in Benin City, Edo State.

The couple were docked on a seven-count charge bordering on cybercrime, conspiracy, and stealing to the tune of ₦35,920,000.

How The Alleged Theft Occurred

According to investigations conducted by the anti-graft agency, Marian Elia had lived in the house of the victim, Mrs. Esther Ogbeifun, where she grew up.

Exploiting her access and familiar relationship within the household, Elia allegedly accessed Mrs. Ogbeifun’s mobile phones and banking credentials. Between March 8 and July 29, 2026, she allegedly used a mobile banking app to execute unauthorized transfers totaling ₦35.92 million from the victim’s account into a bank account operated by her boyfriend, Uzoma.

The EFCC disclosed that both defendants subsequently converted the stolen funds to their personal use, causing severe financial loss to the victim.

The offense violates Section 33(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, as amended in 2024.

Court Proceedings & Remand

When the charges were read to the defendants in court, Marian Elia and Izuchukwu Uzoma pleaded not guilty.

Following their pleas, prosecution counsel I.M. Elodi urged the court to fix a date for trial and order that the suspects be remanded in custody.

Justice C. A. Obiozor subsequently ordered that both defendants be remanded at the Benin Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter to December 7, 2026, for hearing.

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