23.06.2026 12:02
In Nigeria, Ojo Eghosa Kingsley, whose account was credited with approximately 1 million euros (53 million TL) due to a bank technical error, refused to return the money. When given the choice in court to "pay back or serve time," he opted for one year in prison. However, his plan failed; authorities froze the accounts to which he had transferred the funds and seized most of the money.
A man in Nigeria, whose account was mistakenly credited with approximately 1 million euros (53 million Turkish Lira) due to a bank system error, chose to serve prison time rather than return the money. The incident, described on social media as the "Opportunism of the Century," concluded with a harsh judicial decision.
The incident began when Ojo Eghosa Kingsley, a resident of Nigeria, checked his bank account. Due to a technical glitch at the bank, funds worth millions of Naira were suddenly transferred into Kingsley's account. Upon noticing the situation, bank officials immediately contacted Kingsley and demanded the return of the money.
HE DISTRIBUTED THE MONEY TO RELATIVES
However, instead of returning the money, Kingsley acted quickly and transferred the majority of the amount to the accounts of his wife, friends, and relatives. Following the bank's complaint, the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed a case against Kingsley on charges of "unlawful enrichment and asset acquisition."
"I'D RATHER GO TO PRISON THAN RETURN THE MONEY"
Brought before a judge, Kingsley was presented with a clear choice by the court: "Return the money down to the last cent or face a prison sentence." Kingsley, whose decision sparked widespread reactions on social media, refused to return the money and chose to serve 1 year in prison.
MOST OF THE MONEY WAS SEIZED
Although social media users commented, "He'll serve 1 year and live as a millionaire when he gets out," the legal system did not allow it. According to the court ruling, the EFCC froze all accounts involved in the transfers and had already seized most of the money. Additionally, after completing his 1-year prison sentence and being released, Kingsley was held liable to compensate the bank for all remaining damages down to the last penny.