From Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
The Ile-Ife area of Osun State was thrown into a state of shock and disbelief on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, when operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, swooped in and arrested 69 suspected internet fraudsters.
According to the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the arrest was made following credible intelligence linking the Oduduwa Estate area of Ile-Ife with activities of suspected internet fraudsters.
He said the suspects were apprehended based on their alleged involvement in fraudulent internet-related activities.
The sheer number of individuals arrested brings to light the scale of internet fraud that is prevalent in the area. With 69 suspects in custody, it is a sign that the EFCC is making a concerted effort to crack down on the menace that has plagued the country for years.
The operation was reportedly swift and seamless, as the EFCC operatives made sure that none of the suspects had the chance to escape. In addition to the arrests, the EFCC seized valuable items from the fraudsters, including exotic cars, 190 mobile phones, and 40 laptops.
Oyewale stated that the suspects have made useful statements to the EFCC and woukd be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.
As gathered, the latest operation showed that the anti-graft agency is stepping up its efforts to tackle the problem of internet fraud in Nigeria, because the commission has been at the forefront of the fight against corruption in the country, and the latest operation is a further proof of its commitment to ridding Nigeria of cybercriminals.