Over 20 arrested as EFCC raids Lekki short-let apartments

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested more than 20 suspects during a raid on a short-let apartment complex in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, as the anti-graft agency intensifies its crackdown on suspected financial crime syndicates.

The operation was carried out in the early hours of Monday, July 27, at QMB Road, Ikate, Lekki.

A senior EFCC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly on the operation, confirmed the arrests and said investigations were ongoing.

“The operation was intelligence-driven. Yes, a number of suspects were arrested and investigations are continuing. We are profiling those arrested and examining items recovered during the operation. Further details will be made public at the appropriate time,” the official said.

Sources familiar with the operation disclosed that EFCC operatives searched several apartments within the complex, questioned occupants and took more than 20 suspects into custody. The sources added that investigators recovered items considered relevant to the ongoing investigation.

However, the commission has yet to disclose the identities of those arrested or the specific offences under investigation.

Although some residents alleged that certain apartments in the complex may have been used for suspected criminal activities, including internet-related fraud, Vanguard could not independently verify the claims, and the EFCC has not linked any individual, tenant or apartment owner to any criminal offence.

The operation attracted widespread attention within the neighbourhood, with residents describing it as one of the most extensive anti-graft raids carried out in the area in recent months.

Residents and operators of short-let apartments in the area also said patronage at the facility had dropped noticeably since the operation.

Sources further disclosed that investigators were analysing materials recovered during the raid while screening the suspects to determine whether criminal charges would be filed.

As of press time, no charges had been filed, while the EFCC maintained that investigations into the operation were ongoing.