EFCC Storms Majesty Estate in Port Harcourt, Arrests 37 Suspected Internet Fraudsters

In a swift and calculated operation, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 37 individuals suspected of engaging in internet-related fraud at Majesty Estate in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The operation was carried out by officers from the Commission’s Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate following a series of complaints from local residents.

The EFCC confirmed the operation in an official statement released on Saturday, detailing the circumstances surrounding the raid and the arrests. The action, according to the Commission, was prompted by an urgent call from concerned residents of Majesty Estate, located along the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Road in Port Harcourt.

Residents reportedly raised alarm over suspicious activities believed to be linked to cybercrime. The EFCC, acting on this community tip-off, initiated surveillance and gathered intelligence before launching what they described as a “sting operation” on Friday, August 1, 2025.

According to the EFCC’s account, one of the apartments within the estate had been flagged for monitoring after its occupants were identified as potential suspects involved in internet fraud. When operatives arrived at the location, they said they properly identified themselves and explained the nature of their visit. However, some of the occupants allegedly refused to open their doors, prompting the agents to force entry into one of the flats.

The Commission insisted that the operation was conducted professionally and without misconduct. They added that although one of the apartment doors had to be pried open due to the occupants’ refusal to cooperate, no illegal items were recovered from that particular unit and no individuals were arrested there. Still, 37 other suspects were apprehended during the raid from other parts of the estate.

In response to a viral video circulating on social media that appears to show a broken door and some residents alleging harassment, the EFCC stated that these reports were misleading. According to the agency, the footage failed to show the context of the raid and the refusal of the suspects to comply with the operatives’ lawful instructions.

The Commission emphasized that many residents of Majesty Estate welcomed their intervention and even expressed gratitude for responding to their concerns about growing fraudulent activities in their neighborhood. The EFCC said this positive feedback stands in contrast to the negative narrative being pushed on social media.

In the statement, the EFCC reiterated its commitment to maintaining professionalism during operations. It assured the public that any operative found to be engaging in misconduct or excessive force would be subjected to internal disciplinary measures. The Commission made it clear that while they are determined to combat financial and cybercrime, such efforts must always be guided by the rule of law and respect for human rights.

The EFCC’s raid in Port Harcourt adds to a series of recent high-profile enforcement activities across the country, as the agency ramps up its fight against internet fraud, commonly referred to as “Yahoo Yahoo.” These crimes have become a growing concern in Nigeria, with young people often lured into fraudulent schemes promising quick financial gains.

In recent months, the EFCC has issued several warnings about the dangers of cybercrime, not only from a legal perspective but also in terms of its broader impact on Nigeria’s global image, economy, and youth development. The Commission has also been involved in public sensitization campaigns across schools, communities, and online platforms, urging young Nigerians to embrace honest means of livelihood and avoid the temptations of internet fraud.

Meanwhile, the agency disclosed that investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of involvement of the 37 suspects arrested in the Majesty Estate raid. If sufficient evidence is gathered, they will be charged to court in accordance with the law.

This latest enforcement activity underscores the EFCC’s strategy of community-driven policing, where residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities. It also demonstrates that the Commission is increasingly relying on intelligence and public cooperation to identify criminal hideouts, especially in affluent or gated estates where such operations are often disguised under the radar.

As the EFCC continues to tackle financial and cyber-related crimes, Nigerians are being urged to remain vigilant, report unlawful activity, and resist participating in any schemes that promise easy money through deceitful means. The agency’s leadership has also promised to maintain transparency in its operations while working closely with communities, security agencies, and the judiciary to ensure that justice is served in all cases.

For now, the 37 suspects remain in EFCC custody as investigations continue, and Majesty Estate residents are hopeful that the presence of the anti-graft agency will serve as a deterrent to any further criminal behavior in the neighborhood.