The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun investigations into 24 Nigerian youths repatriated from Ghana over alleged involvement in internet fraud-related activities.
In a statement by the antigraft agency, the suspects were arrested on April 17, 2025, by operatives of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) at Kumsark Estate in Oyarifa, a suburb of Accra. Following their arrest, they were transferred to Nigeria and handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on April 25, 2025.
Speaking during the formal handover of the suspects to the EFCC’s Lagos Directorate 2 on Monday, April 28, 2025, Comfort Agboko, Zonal Commander of NAPTIP Lagos Command, disclosed that a total of 231 Nigerians were received from EOCO. Among them were 24 suspects and 207 victims.
“On Friday, April 25, 2025, the Agency received a total of two hundred and thirty-one (231) Nigerians comprising twenty-four (24) suspects and two hundred and seven (207) victims from EOCO that repatriated them from Ghana upon their arrest on April 17, 2025, on the suspicion of their involvement in internet fraud,” she said.
Agboko, who represented the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta L. Adamu Bello, further stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the individuals were allegedly engaged in cybercrimes such as romance scams, phishing, and fraudulent online transactions, some suspected to have links with organized cybercrime networks.
Describing the cooperation between NAPTIP and the EFCC as “pivotal,” she emphasized the growing intersection between human trafficking, money laundering, and cybercrime.
“This partnership had yielded significant results in the past, including a similar case handed over to your Commission in 2022, which led to the conviction of four suspects for Advanced Free Fraud,” Agboko added.
“The current handover is a continuation of this synergy, with NAPTIP leveraging EFCC’s expertise in financial crime investigations to ensure thorough prosecution of the suspects.”
Receiving the suspects, Ahmed Ghali, Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, thanked NAPTIP for its sustained collaboration with the Commission in fighting economic and financial crimes.
Read also: EFCC charges staff on professionalism, integrity
Read more: CBEX promoter submits self to EFCC
Ghali said, “On behalf of the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, I hereby take over the 24 suspects; 276 laptops; 118 mobile phones; 12 pieces of NIN; two Voters Card; two Drivers Licences; 10 ATM cards, and five COVID-19 Vaccination cards.”
He assured that a detailed investigation would be carried out to determine the suspects’ level of involvement and unravel possible connections to wider cybercrime networks.
“I assure you that we will be diligent and investigate this matter. I also assure you that justice will be done and the perpetrators brought to book,” Ghali pledged.
The EFCC says it remains committed to ensuring that those found guilty of financial crimes face the full weight of the law.
