Betrayal of Trust: EFCC Arraigns Teen, Boyfriend Over Alleged N35.9m Cyber Theft in Benin

​BENIN CITY — A relationship built on proximity has landed a teenage girl and her boyfriend in the dock, as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned them before a Federal High Court in Benin for allegedly stealing ₦35.9 million through cyber manipulation.
​The Benin Zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency brought Marian Elia, 19, and Izuchukwu Uzoma, 21, before Justice C. A. Obiozor on a seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy, cybercrime, and stealing.
​Inside the Alleged Betrayal
​Investigators revealed a chilling breach of domestic trust. According to EFCC findings, Elia grew up in the home of the victim, Mrs. Esther Ogbeifun, which afforded her unhindered access to the victim’s personal devices and banking details.
​Between March 8 and July 29, 2026, Elia allegedly used Mrs. Ogbeifun’s Moniepoint mobile banking app to execute a series of covert wire transfers totaling ₦35,920,000. The funds were siphoned directly into a United Bank for Africa (UBA) account operated by her boyfriend, Uzoma, with both suspects reportedly squandering the loot on personal expenses.
​Highlighting the gravity of the crime, one of the charges read:
​“That you Marian Elia between the 8th day of March 2026 and 29th day of July 2026 in Benin, Edo State… did use the access device issued to one Mrs Esther Ogbeifun to wit, a Moniepoint Personal Banking App… to transfer the aggregate sum of N35,920,000.00 to account number… operated by one Izuchukwu Uzoma, resulting in a loss to the said Mrs Esther Ogbeifun, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 33(2) (c) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 (as amended 2024).”
​Not Guilty Plea and Court Remand
​When the charges were read to them in open court, both lovers entered a plea of “not guilty.”
​Following their plea, prosecution counsel I.M. Elodi promptly requested a trial date and prayed the court to remand the defendants.
​Justice Obiozor granted the prosecution’s application, ordering that the duo be remanded at the Benin Correctional Centre. The case has been adjourned to December 7 for the commencement of trial.