EFCC Admits Error in Declaring Innocent Man Wanted in CBEX Fraud Case

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has acknowledged that it wrongly declared Ellie Bitar wanted in connection with the CBEX Solutions Ltd. Ponzi scheme. The agency made this admission in a statement released on Wednesday, just days after the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) published a report revealing the error.

According to the EFCC, Bitar’s name has now been removed from its list of wanted persons after new information emerged that cleared him of any involvement in the fraudulent scheme. “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,” the commission said.

Despite this correction, the EFCC stressed that its investigation into the CBEX scam, which defrauded numerous Nigerians, is ongoing. The agency stated that it is making significant progress and is working with international law enforcement bodies to apprehend all individuals implicated in the scheme. “The EFCC will not relent in bringing every actor involved in the fraudulent dealings to book,” it said.

The commission also reaffirmed that eight individuals remain wanted for their alleged roles in the scheme. These include Seyi Oloyede, Emmanuel Uko, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Adefowora Abiodun Olanipekun, Johnson Okiroh Ofienolu, Israel Mbalika, Joseph Michiro Kabera, and Serah Michiro.