Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from the Makurdi Zonal Directorate have arrested 14 individuals suspected of involvement in internet fraud during a sting operation at the Federal Low-Cost Housing Estate in Makurdi, Benue State.
Dele Oyewale, the EFCC spokesperson, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.
According to Oyewale, the operation was carried out based on actionable intelligence that pointed to the suspects’ involvement in online fraud.
The suspects have been identified as Austine Okwori, Osita Valentine, Skott King-David, Thomas Ifebuche, Akor Oche, Henry Adah, Scott Inalegwu, Ogbu Alpha, Samuel Moses, Ogbonna Chukwuaogwu, Mustapha Adinoye, Sylvanus Ogbu, Emmanuel Adamu, and Samuel Otene.
Items recovered during the operation included mobile phones, laptops, and charms.
The suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed.
In a separate operation, News About Nigeria reported that the EFCC also announced the arrest of Hyginus Nkwocha, a 35-year-old suspected billionaire internet fraudster, in Abuja.
Nkwocha was apprehended at Ever Green Estate in Lugbe, Abuja, following credible information that linked him to internet-related crimes.
Items recovered from Nkwocha included $2,200, an iPhone 15 Pro Max, a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, an iPhone 13 Pro Max, a MacBook, gold jewellery, and several luxury vehicles, including a Mercedes Benz ML 350, a Chevrolet Camaro, and a Mustang.
Additionally, properties linked to Nkwocha were identified in Ocean Palm Estate, Ajah, Lagos, and Lugbe Airport Road, Abuja.
The EFCC has indicated that Nkwocha and the other suspects will be prosecuted once investigations are finalised.
