A raid conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on two nightclubs in Akure, Ondo State, has led to the arrest of 127 individuals suspected of internet fraud.
According to reports, the operation, which took place on June 8, 2024, also resulted in the seizure of various items, including cars, laptops, and phones.
An eyewitness present at one of the nightclubs raided told newsmen that “They (EFCC) entered the nightclubs and lounges, tear-gassing people, beating them up and arresting them.
They don’t care who you are, many people, including security personnel were injured as they shot tear gas canisters inside one of the clubs.
“They also went away with a groom and his friends at a club, he was there for his bash eve, so sad as they profiled everyone as Internet fraudsters.”
Also corroborating the report, an X user Darey, who tweets as #dareybold shared a video of the raid, captioning it, “This is #officialEFCC leaving Shaunz lounge Akure while shooting sporadically.
“They destroyed the club and the rooms in the hotels. They forcefully broke into the rooms. They also destroyed the CCTV and the engine.”
Also reacting, another X User Oluyemi Fasipe who identifies as #YemiFash on X.com shared a video showing the alleged dehumanization of innocent ladies at a club in Akure, tweeting, “This is what your rogue officers did to innocent ladies at a club in Akure last night. They also took away their phones after this dehumanization. I am sharing this for the whole world to see how irresponsible and unprofessional your agency can be.”
Meanwhile, the Anti-graft Agency in an update on Saturday alleged that the suspects were attending a gathering related to internet fraud.
“Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested One Hundred and Twenty Seven (127) suspected internet fraudsters in Ondo State.
“The alleged internet fraudsters were arrested in an early morning sting operation at a “Yahoo Party” held simultaneously at Signature and Abah Clubs on Saturday, June 8, 2024 in Akure, Ondo State.
“Credible intelligence showed that the alleged party was initially scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, 2024 but was later moved to Saturday to beat security and intelligence networks of the EFCC.
“The suspects have given useful information to Investigators of the Directorate.
“Items recovered from them include ten exotic cars, phones, laptops, motor-cycle, wristwatches and many incriminating documents.
“They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.” EFCC noted.
