The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested 44 suspected internet fraudsters on Friday in various parts of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
News About Nigeria reports that the arrests took place in Sango, Kulende, Texaco, and Harmony Estate following credible intelligence linking the suspects to internet-related crimes.
In a statement, the EFCC said that the crackdown was in response to growing concerns over the activities of fraudsters negatively impacting citizens in the state.
Items seized during the operation included six exotic cars, laptops, smartphones, and charms.
The commission stated, “The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.”
This comes just two days after the same EFCC directorate apprehended 56 other suspected internet fraudsters in Ilorin.
In a separate operation, the EFCC confirmed the arrest of four individuals for allegedly impersonating Ola Olukoyede, the EFCC Chairman, in a $1 million fraud scheme.
According to Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s spokesperson, the suspects were arrested on Wednesday at the Apo Legislative Quarters and Gimbiya Street in Abuja.
The suspects reportedly posed as the EFCC Chairman and approached Mohammed Bello-Koko, the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), with a fraudulent scheme, falsely claiming that he was involved in EFCC investigations during his tenure.
They allegedly demanded $1 million from Bello-Koko, threatening him with arrest and prosecution if he did not comply.
Upon receiving intelligence, EFCC operatives moved swiftly to apprehend the fraudsters, and they are now in custody.
The EFCC spokesperson confirmed that the suspects would be charged to court once investigations are complete.
