Tuesday, July 7, 2026

EFCC admits wrongly declaring innocent person wanted over CBEX scandal

“The EFCC will not relent in bringing every actor involved in the fraudulent dealings to book,” the anti-graft agency said.

• May 14, 2025
efcc
EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has admitted that it wrongly declared Ellie Bitar wanted over the CBEX ponzi scheme.

The anti-graft agency, in a statement on Wednesday, made this admission a few days after FIJ first published the story on how Mr Bitar was wrongly declared wanted by the EFCC.

“Ellie Bitar of CBEX Solutions Ltd., who was earlier declared wanted, has since been removed from the list owing to new information that does not support his inclusion in the wanted person’s list,” the EFCC said.

The anti-graft agency, however, said it has intensified its investigation into the CBEX Ponzi scheme that swindled many Nigerians out of their money.

“The Commission is making good progress in its investigations. Law enforcement agencies across the world are collaborating with it in tracking and arresting all the wanted persons. The EFCC will not relent in bringing every actor involved in the fraudulent dealings to book,” the anti-graft agency said.

According to the EFCC, eight persons wanted for their involvement in the CBEX ponzi scheme are: Seyi Oloyede, Emmanuel Uko, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Adefowora Abiodun Olanipekun, Johnson Okiroh Ofienolu, Israel Mbalika, Joseph Michiro Kabera, and Serah Michiro.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Economy

Flutterwave secures investment from Circle Ventures, expands USDC payments, settlement across Africa

The investment supports Flutterwave’s effort to embed USDC settlement directly into the payment flows businesses already use today.

Education

Stakeholders back FG’s plan to scrap JSS-SSS separation policy

The group described the move as a step toward strengthening secondary education.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Lagos

Gov. Sanwo-Olu urges Lagos youths to build creative businesses

Mr Agoro said the programme targeted youths interested in careers within the entertainment industry.

PenCom

Economy

PenCom extends PenCare access to retirees earning N150,000

PenCom said it raised the income threshold to attract more participants.

Lagos

Lagos monarch tasks pupils on discipline, quality learning

Mr Egbeyemi said, “Education is the light of our future; without it, no kingdom can truly prosper.”

Hot news Home top

UK lawmaker Nigel Farage resigns over £5 million gift controversy 

The Reform UK leader, however, said he would fight to win his seat back in the by-election.