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VIDEO: Protests, reactions as EFCC ‘sets records straight’ on Akure arrests

On Saturday June 8, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says its operatives in Ibadan Zonal Directorate had arrested 127 suspected internet fraudsters in Akure, Ondo State.

Says the EFCC, “The alleged internet fraudsters were arrested in an early morning sting operation at a ‘Yahoo Party’ held simultaneously at Signature and Abah Clubs on Saturday, June 8, 2024 in Akure, Ondo State.

“Credible intelligence showed that the alleged party was initially scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, 2024 but was later moved to Saturday to beat security and intelligence networks of the EFCC.

“The suspects have given useful information to Investigators of the Directorate.

“Items recovered from them include 10 exotic cars, phones, laptops, motorcycle, wristwatches and many incriminating documents.

“They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”

However, protests have greeted EFCC actions, as some people held street protests in Akure, stating that those arrested were guests at a bachelor’s party.

See the video of the protests against the Akure arrests:

See Nigerians’ reactions to the arrests:

Even as the EFCC states: EFCC’s Akure Arrests: Setting the Records Straight
Arising from the misinformation and distortion of facts about the arrest of 127 suspected internet fraudsters by operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday, June 8, 2024, it becomes imperative to clearly present the true facts of the operation.

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The Operatives executed a classical sting operation at two clubs simultaneously in Akure based on credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of the suspected fraudsters. The operation, in line with the established ground norm for such engagement, was devoid of any incident as the operatives conducted themselves professionally.

It was therefore shocking to be confronted with narratives particularly from the social media about brutalisation, including a trending video of two ladies showing bodies lacerated by whips.

The Commission wants the public to discountenance this video, as it may have been stage-managed to achieve motives that are unclear.

The Commission will subject this video to forensic analysis to establish its falsehood and prepare a case against purveyors of this distasteful stunt.

The Commission wishes to state that no suspect was assaulted, brutalised or subjected to any dehumanising treatment during the Saturday operation. It is also false that tear gas was fired at the crime scene.

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Those familiar with the Commission’s operations know that EFCC personnel do not use tear gas during sting operation. The officers that carried out the arrests neither came to the scene of crime with canister of tear gas nor whips, to inflict bodily injuries on suspects.

It is also important to state that no damage was done to the CCTV facility at the scene of the arrest. The device was removed by a staff of the club at the instance of operatives of the Commission to preserve the footages for further analysis of the role of each of the arrested suspects in the alleged crime.

Specifically, one of the arrested suspects, the manager of the club, who confessed to the crime and directed the removal of the CCTV device for further investigative works by the Commission, is in the custody of the EFCC with the CCTV. He is assisting in the investigation of the crime.

It is needful to state, for the umpteenth time, that the Standard Operating Procedure of the EFCC foreclosed the use of brute force or unprofessional conduct in the course of any operation.

The EFCC is a civilized law enforcement agency with optimal respect for human dignity and the rule of law.

Meanwhile, profiling of suspects arrested at the scene of the crime has been completed. They will be prosecuted accordingly.

Bridget Benson
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