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:
They successfully ruined the happy day of the groom to be, the bride the be and Their respective families. This is a result of a failed system; a system where only a selected few enjoy the benefits of being citizens and the others are made to live like fugitives in their own land
— Toby (@officialtamtv) June 9, 2024
I think it’s high time we (Nigerian youths, Nigerian mothers, Nigerian fathers) call out this EFCC as well otherwise they will do more than SARS did with innocent souls
How do you leave real criminals and arrest innocent youths in the name of raiding Yahoo boys, if not wickednes— bolaji (@bolaji80253393) June 9, 2024
Efcc can arrest anyone and evrryone but can’t arrest the man that stole billions
— The Apple of God’s eye (@ugo_himself) June 9, 2024
The day they raided my estate ee 😂
Bro you need to see how this people breaks door even armed robbers can’t— 𓂀 ℂ𝕙𝕚𝕞𝕒𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕜𝕖𝕖𝕡𝕤 𓂀 (@Chimaforkeeps) June 9, 2024
Yet they can’t find Yahya bello
— iamdchairman (@tobijubril_) June 9, 2024
In as much as I am not supporting EFCC, this boys should find something positive to do in their life. Most of the useless boys sit in one corner with their laptops and clean your account. If you have not been a victim, you won’t no how bad it can be.
— Mohammed O. Ismail (@muhammed_mi312) June 9, 2024
When I’m reading through you message, something comes from my mind?
How does EFCC knew they wanted to hold one party if someone who is not close to them reporting them? Have you ever investigated and confirmed truly that this arrest or raid is unwarranted by the EFCC?
— Oyedele Basit (@OyedeleBasit1) June 9, 2024
This country is in big trouble.
They are very quick to arrest these ones in hiding but they seem to miss those in plain sight.— MaryK (@Real__maryk) June 9, 2024
Dem enter club, spoil all the cctv cameras, com begin chop and drink, Dem finish enjoy all food and drinks wey those guys buy, com still carry the guys again,
— OLAIDE DAV (@703Shipping) June 9, 2024
The Efcc started on a good note in 2003 but have deteriorated into gangsterism.
Even bakasi boys were more organized, professional than this crop of Efcc.
The Efcc are not professional anymore except a big connected politician is involved like Yahaya Bello, Elrufai and gandollar— Ikechukwu Ude (@Ozo__Ude) June 9, 2024
So,the question is everyone here doing fraud?
— Wizzzy💐 (@inyourwildestt) June 9, 2024
The drinks some of your official drinks @ the clubs who is gonna pay,believe me what you have done today is robbery alah
— kunle adesina (@kunlexshina) June 9, 2024
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.
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.
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.
