# EFCC Forfeits $163,592 from US Fraud

> EFCC secures final forfeiture of $163,592 from US fraud scheme involving Nigerian businessman Akpasi Oziegbe.
- Title: EFCC Forfeits $163,592 from US Fraud · Premium Times Nigeria
- Summary: EFCC secures final forfeiture of $163,592 from US fraud scheme involving Nigerian businessman Akpasi Oziegbe.
- Keywords: efcc, nigerian businessman, us fraud, african, financial crime, forfeiture, law firm, fraud scheme, nigeria, Premium Times Nigeria
- Source: Premium Times Nigeria — https://premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/923290-efcc-secures-final-forfeiture-of-163592-proceeds-of-us-fraud.html
- Author: Emmanuel Agbo
- Published: 2026-11-06T21:16:02+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: efcc, nigerian businessman, us fraud, african, financial crime, forfeiture, law firm, fraud scheme, nigeria, news, politics
## EFCC Action
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured final forfeiture of $163,592 from US fraud scheme.
## Fraud Scheme Details
Akpasi Oziegbe impersonated Edward Campbell to receive payment from US law firm Steven J. Mandel & Co.
## Fraud Timeline
Oziegbe obtained $165,157 from US company on 27 June 2022, transferred $163,592 on 20 July 2022.
## Fraud Detection
JPMorgan Chase Bank notified lawyers of altered cheque on 21 July 2022, UBA flagged transaction as suspicious.
## Legal Process
EFCC obtained court order freezing account on 9 September 2024, final forfeiture order granted 15 August 2025.
## Forfeiture Outcome
Money forfeited to Steven J. Mandel & Co through Federal Government of Nigeria.
## Investigation Background
EFCC began investigation in May 2024 after receiving petition from GAIA & Montgomery Legal.
## Fraud Claim
Oziegbe claimed payment for materials supplied to US but failed to provide supporting documents.
## Legal Proceedings
Prosecution lawyer Ekele Iheanacho led EFCC's legal team in securing final forfeiture order.
## Fraud Impact
US law firm confirmed fraud after cheque was altered and reported to authorities.
## Banking Response
UBA placed lien on funds after confirming transaction was fraudulent.
## Forfeiture Process
EFCC traced funds to Oziegbe's domiciliary account at UBA under name Micoz Bluelink Enterprise.
## Court Order
Trial judge M. S. Liman granted forfeiture order on Friday after EFCC application.
## Final Outcome
EFCC forfeited $163,592 to Steven J. Mandel & Co through Federal Government of Nigeria.
## Key takeaway

EFCC has forfeited $163,592 obtained through a US fraud scheme where Akpasi Oziegbe impersonated Edward Campbell to receive payment from a US law firm.