PHOTOS: Defrauded Blind Teacher Gets Her Money Back

Blind Nigerian teacher, the victim of job scam, on October 22 received back N550,000 which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recovered from the fraudsters.

Mary Ihekanacho presented with the recovered N550,000. Credit: Premium Times

It was made known in a statement released by the EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren, Premium Times reports.

In July 2012 the gang led by Gift Onyegam reportedly swindled Mary Ihekanacho of N830,000 by promising to facilitate her son’s employment with one of the oil majors.
The woman filed a petition, following which Onyegam was arrested and arraigned on a 4-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence. Less than 2 years later the suspect was convicted and sentenced to 10 years. The court also ordered Onyegam to pay N711,000 in restitution.

Mary Ihekanacho presented with the recovered N550,000. Credit: Premium Times

According to the Commission representatives, who spoke yesterday on behalf of the body, they worked hard to restore justice for all the Nigerians. The officials urged people to cooperate with the Commission “in carrying out its duties by coming forward to give evidence in court when it is required”.

Meanwhile the teacher, who suffered from the fraud, was grateful to the EFCC and thanked them for coming to her rescue. Mrs. Ihekanacho narrated how she prayed for help, which eventually came.
“I had lost hope. I prayed and asked God to take control and was surprised when Richard called me and told me that the young man has been arrested…”

She also stressed the importance of punishing such fraudsters lamenting that people who can “scam a blind woman” can do anything for their own benefit.