EFCC arrests 28 internet fraudsters in Edo, Akwa Ibom

Operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have apprehended 28 individuals suspected of involvement in internet fraud, commonly referred to as ‘Yahoo boys,’ in Edo and Akwa Ibom states.

The arrests occurred on Monday following coordinated sting operations at various locations, based on intelligence regarding their alleged fraudulent activities. In Akwa Ibom, 13 suspects were taken into custody in the Nwaniba area of Uyo, while 15 others were arrested in Benin City, the capital of Edo State.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Dele Oyewale, the commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, reported that authorities recovered several items from the suspects in Akwa Ibom, including four vehicles and six laptops. He detailed, “The recovered items consist of a Lexus 350 saloon car with registration number BGK 698 SU from Abia, another Lexus 350 with registration number ABC 573 BC, a Toyota Camry V6 registered as UYY 888 HR from Akwa Ibom, a Toyota Corolla with the registration number KTM 613 AA from Akwa Ibom, in addition to six laptops and 20 smartphones.”

Regarding the operations in Edo, Oyewale mentioned, “The recovered items include four luxury vehicles, laptops, and mobile phones. The suspects will face charges in court once investigations are concluded.”

Additionally, the anti-graft agency announced via its X.com page that 44 suspected internet fraudsters were arrested in Enugu and Anambra states. These individuals were captured at different sites during the early hours of September 28 and September 29, 2024, respectively.