The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says 19 of the 21 people arrested during a raid at an estate in Lekki, Lagos, have been indicted following preliminary investigations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the commission said its Lagos Directorate 1 operatives carried out the operation at about 5 a.m. on Monday, October 26, targeting suspected cybercrime fraudsters accused of obtaining money through gift cards, cryptocurrencies and international money transfers while impersonating other individuals.
The EFCC said five exotic cars were recovered during the operation, while two of the arrested suspects were released after preliminary investigations.
EFCC Explains Circumstances Of Arrests
According to the commission, the operation followed surveillance and reconnaissance of the suspects’ activities.
“The fraudsters were apprehended professionally owing to diligent pre-arrest surveillance and reconnaissance of the activities of the fraudsters,” the statement said.
The commission also addressed the case of a young woman who allegedly attempted to alert the suspects during the operation.
It said she “was held and her phone confiscated until the conclusion of the operation,” adding that the phone was later returned to her.
Defending its conduct, the EFCC maintained that the operation was carried out without harassment or unlawful arrests.
“The Sting Operation at Applewood Estate was professionally carried out, with no record of harassment, intimidation or unlawful arrest of anyone,” the statement said.
Social Media Reactions Follow Raid
Videos of the operation circulated on social media on Monday, prompting reactions from residents and other Nigerians.
An eyewitness separately alleged that EFCC operatives had raided properties along Orchid Road six times in the preceding two months, claiming that cars, laptops and phones were taken and men found at the scene were arrested.
The allegation has not been independently verified, and the EFCC statement did not address claims of repeated raids over the two-month period.
19 Suspects To Face Court Proceedings
The commission said the 19 suspects indicted during preliminary investigations would be arraigned in court immediately.
It urged Nigerians to support its efforts against economic and financial crimes, adding that it remained open to constructive engagement with members of the public.
The EFCC maintained that Monday’s operation was conducted professionally and said it would continue its efforts to tackle financial crimes.
Ademide Adebayo
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