The EFCC operatives made the arrests following actionable intelligence and conducted a search of the suspects’ den. During the operation, the EFCC recovered high-end mobile phones, three laptops, and two Mercedes vehicles, a CLA250 and C300.
According to Wilson Uwujaren, the spokesman for the EFCC, the suspects will be charged in court as soon as investigations are completed.
The names of the suspects are Joseph Boniface, Emmaneul Okwara, Elijah Iwebie, Moses Hassan, Abdulrahman Lawal, Azu Chidubem Eugene, Abdullahi Adebola, Elijah Simon, Terfa Lincoln, David Kome, Chukwudah Martinez, Adie Matthew, Canice Agabi, Abbas Aminu, Damilare James, Christopher Simon, Mohammed Abdulhamid, Ifeanyi Bosah, Ayuba Aminu, Godwin Terkura, and Victor Ademola.
Internet fraud commonly referred to as ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ in Nigeria, has become a major challenge for law enforcement agencies in the country. Fraudsters engage in activities such as phishing, identity theft, and money laundering, and often target unsuspecting victims, including foreigners.
The EFCC has been working tirelessly to tackle the menace of internet fraud in Nigeria, with several high-profile arrests and convictions in recent years.
In September 2021, the EFCC arrested five suspected internet fraudsters in Enugu State and recovered several items, including a Lexus ES 350 car, a Toyota Camry, laptops, and mobile phones.
Similarly, in November 2021, the EFCC arrested 13 suspected internet fraudsters in Lagos State and recovered several items, including exotic cars, laptops, and mobile phones.
The EFCC has urged Nigerians to be cautious when conducting transactions online and to report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
The Commission has also advised internet users to use strong passwords and to be wary of unsolicited emails and messages, as well as to avoid clicking on links from unknown sources.
The fight against internet fraud is an ongoing battle, and the EFCC has promised to continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Nigerians can conduct their transactions online without fear of falling victim to fraudsters.
The EFCC has called on members of the public to collaborate with the agency by providing timely and accurate information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of internet fraudsters.
The agency has assured Nigerians that it will leave no stone unturned in the fight against cybercrime and will continue to work with other law enforcement agencies both within and outside the country to achieve its mandate.
The EFCC has also stressed the need for increased public awareness about the dangers of internet fraud and has called on Nigerians to join hands in the fight against cybercrime.