EFCC Arrests 24 Suspected Internet Fraud Trainees in A’Ibom

Okon Bassey in Uyo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said its operatives at the Uyo Zonal Command have arrested 24 suspected internet fraudsters reportedly being trained for cybercrimes in Uyo,  the Akwa Ibom State capital.

A statement issued by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said the suspects were arrested on January 22 following an intelligence gathering.

The commission said the suspects were arrested in a storey building suspected to be a criminal hideout to train internet fraudsters located at the Ewet Housing Estate and Nelson Mandela estate respectively.

 He said the suspects would be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.

The statement read  in parts: “The all-male suspects were arrested in two locations in an intelligence-driven sting operation at D-Line Ewet Housing Estate and Nelson Mandela area both in Uyo.

“Items recovered from the premises and the suspects included five exotic cars, 18 laptops, 17 mobile phones and one internet router.

“The EFCC had on November 28, 2019, arrested 23  trainers and trainees  at a ‘Yahoo Academy’ at Essien Essien Street, Ikot Ibiok village in Eket Local Government Area of the state.

“The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”