Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested a total of 28 suspected internet fraudsters, popularly known as ‘Yahoo boys’ in Edo and Akwa-Ibom states.
The suspects were arrested on Monday after a separate sting operation conducted on their hideouts following an intelligence report on their alleged fraudulent activities.
Thirteen of the suspects were arrested in the Nwaniba area of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while 15 were nabbed in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
A statement on Tuesday by the commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said items recovered from the suspects in Akwa-Ibom include four cars and six laptops, among others.
He said, “Items recovered from them include, Lexus 350 saloon car with registration number BGK 698 SU Abia, Lexus 350 saloon car with registration number ABC 573 BC, Toyota Camry V6 car with registration number, UYY 888 HR Akwa Ibom, Toyota Corolla car with registration number, KTM 613 AA Akwa Ibom, six laptop computers and 20 smartphones.”
In Edo operations, he stated, “Items recovered from them include four exotic cars, laptops and phones. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed.”
The anti-graft agency, in a statement on its page on X.com, stated that 44 suspected internet fraudsters were arrested in Enugu and Anambra states.
The suspects were apprehended at various locations in Enugu and Anambra states during the early hours of Saturday, September 28, 2024, and Sunday, September 29, 2024, respectively.