The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended 40 individuals in Niger State on suspicion of internet fraud, following coordinated operations in the Bida and Minna local government areas. This action is part of the EFCC’s ongoing battle against cybercrime and related offenses.
According to Dele Oyewale, the Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, the arrests were made after credible intelligence was gathered. The suspects are believed to have been involved in various fraudulent online activities, and investigations are still ongoing. The EFCC assured that the suspects would be charged in court once investigations are concluded.
In a series of raids, the operatives recovered a substantial array of items, including:
- Three automobiles
- Eight power-generating sets
- One Hisense air conditioner
- Two power stabilisers
- Ten motorcycles
- Eight laptop computers
- Four Bluetooth speakers
- Sixty Android phones
In addition to these electronic devices and vehicles, operatives also uncovered several fetish items at the scene. Among the recovered materials were three calabashes adorned with feathers, traditional soap and sponge, a bottle of alcohol, twenty cowries, a waist bead, and four pieces of female underwear. These items are believed to have been used in ritualistic practices, which some fraudsters believe may aid their criminal activities or help them evade detection.
“The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” Oyewale stated, underlining the EFCC’s commitment to bringing those involved in cybercrime to justice.