Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Benin Zonal Directorate, have apprehended 47 individuals suspected of engaging in internet fraud in Ekpoma, Edo State.
The arrests, carried out on Saturday, February 15, 2025, followed credible intelligence linking the suspects to cyber-related crimes.
According to a statement from the EFCC, the operation took place at various locations in Ekpoma, a town known for housing one of Nigeria’s prominent universities. The anti-graft agency disclosed that the suspects were rounded up after weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering.
During the raid, the EFCC operatives recovered several items suspected to be proceeds of fraudulent activities.
Among the seized items were 14 exotic cars, multiple laptops, and several mobile phones. The commission stated that these items would serve as evidence in the prosecution of the suspects.
The EFCC further revealed that all the arrested individuals have been taken into custody and are currently undergoing interrogation. Preliminary findings indicate that they were involved in various forms of cybercrime, including online scams and identity theft.
According to the statement, suspects would be charged to court as soon as possible.
The statement partly read: “Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday, February 15, 2025 arrested 47suspected internet fraudsters at different locations in Ekpoma, Edo State.”
“The suspects were arrested based on credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities.”
“Items recovered from them include 14 exotic cars, laptops and phones”
