The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned N125 million recovered from a suspect in an alleged land fraud case to a Lagos businessman, Akinsewa Akiode.

The commission disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, saying the money was handed over to Akiode on Thursday by officials of the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 in Ikoyi following the conclusion of investigations.

According to the EFCC, the investigation followed a petition by Akiode, who alleged that Olufemi Fashehun collected N125 million from him for the purchase of a 550-square-metre property at No. 10, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Lagos.

The businessman reportedly discovered after completing the transaction that the property had been involved in litigation since 2011, a development he alleged was concealed from him before the sale.

The EFCC said its investigation established that Fashehun had previously received several court processes, including injunctions restraining him from developing the property, but allegedly failed to disclose the ongoing legal dispute before receiving the payment.

Akiode subsequently lost both the property and structures he had begun developing on the land, prompting him to petition the EFCC for intervention.

Following its investigation, the commission said it recovered the full N125 million from Fashehun and refunded the money to Akiode through Sterling Bank drafts.

The recovery is part of a series of restitution efforts by the anti-graft agency. Earlier, the EFCC returned N108 million recovered during an investigation into an alleged fraud involving two former employees of Greenwich Planet Sun King Nigeria Limited.

In October 2025, the commission also handed over three houses, two vehicles and N1.1 million recovered from a convicted fraudster to one of his victims in Ibadan after a Federal High Court ordered the assets forfeited.

Speaking during the latest handover, the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Bawa Kaltungo, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to investigating economic and financial crimes, recovering proceeds of illicit activities and ensuring restitution to victims where possible.

The EFCC did not disclose whether criminal charges had been filed against Fashehun in connection with the alleged transaction.

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested several suspects in connection with alleged theft, shopbreaking and possession of suspected stolen property across the state.

The arrests were made during a series of intelligence-led operations conducted by police operatives in different parts of Jigawa, resulting in the recovery of a tricycle, two motorcycles and 11 Android mobile phones.

In a statement issued on Friday, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Lawal Shi’isu, said operatives attached to the Maigatari and Malam Madori Divisions arrested three suspects allegedly found with stolen Royal and Boxer motorcycles.

The suspects were identified as 30-year-old Abubakar Ya’u and 28-year-old Aminu Ya’u, both residents of Dantanoma Quarters in Gumel Local Government Area, and 25-year-old Abdullahi Bala from Garbagar Village in Guri LGA.

The police also arrested 31-year-old Anas Nuhu from Jobe Village in Dawakin Tofa LGA of Kano State. He was allegedly found in possession of a tricycle with registration number MDB 478 QE and Union number GWL 1842, which police said was suspected to have been stolen from a park in Tofa LGA.

According to the command, Nuhu confessed during interrogation to stealing the tricycle. The case has subsequently been charged to court, while investigations into the other cases have been completed and the suspects arraigned for prosecution.

In a separate operation, police arrested 18-year-old Mamman Adamu of Tutiyari Village in Kirikasamma LGA following a report of a shop burglary in Birniwa.

The suspect was allegedly linked to the theft of 11 Android mobile phones, all of which were recovered by the police.

The command said Adamu also confessed to the alleged offence and would be charged to court after investigations are concluded.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Tijjani Murtala, commended the officers involved for their professionalism, vigilance and dedication.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the police to help prevent and combat crime across the state.

The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Sam Amadi, has said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) cannot freeze a state government’s account solely on allegations that public funds may be squandered.

Amadi made the assertion on Friday while speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, following the EFCC’s freezing of the Osun State Government account.

According to him, a state government has the legal authority to spend its funds, and allegations of financial mismanagement should be investigated through appropriate legal channels.

“The EFCC cannot freeze a state government account simply on the fear of squandering or waste. The government has a right to spend its funds,” Amadi said.

He added that even where there are allegations of improper expenditure, government officials could be prosecuted if investigations subsequently establish wrongdoing.

Amadi also expressed concern that the EFCC’s action could be politically motivated, suggesting that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may be using the anti-graft agency to put pressure on Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.

“I have met the EFCC Chairman and had conversations with him, and I consider him an innovative person who is committed to fighting corruption,” he said.

Describing the Osun situation as a major test for the EFCC chairman, Amadi urged him to demonstrate independence and resist political pressure in carrying out the commission’s responsibilities.

“It clearly appeared to be an APC strategy to close in on the Osun State governor,” he added.