The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has defended its recent sting operation at Applewood Estate in Lekki, Lagos, saying the exercise was professionally carried out and resulted in the arrest of 19 suspected internet fraudsters who will soon face prosecution.
The Commission said operatives from its Lagos Directorate 1 stormed the estate on Orchid Road at about 5 a.m. on Monday after weeks of intelligence gathering, surveillance and monitoring of the suspects’ activities.
It said 21 people were initially arrested during the operation, while five exotic cars were recovered from the location.
According to the EFCC, investigations later showed that 19 of the suspects were allegedly involved in cybercrime, while two others were released after they were cleared.
The agency alleged that the suspects targeted unsuspecting victims by posing as different individuals and collecting money through gift cards, cryptocurrency transactions and international money transfers.
The Commission also explained that a young woman who allegedly attempted to alert the suspects by making phone calls during the raid was briefly detained and her mobile phone held until the operation ended before it was returned to her.
The EFCC said the 19 suspects would be arraigned in court without delay to answer charges arising from the investigation.
Reacting to claims surrounding the operation, the Commission said: “The Sting Operation at Applewood Estate was professionally carried out, with no record of harassment, intimidation or unlawful arrest of anyone.”
It added: “While the EFCC continues its crusade and operational dynamics against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption, the public is enjoined to keep faith with it and loudly condemn the activities of fraudsters bringing the nation to disrepute.”
The anti-graft agency further declared: “The Commission is open to constructive engagement by well-meaning Nigerians but blackmailers and alarmists will not be allowed to sabotage its mandate.”
The EFCC has stepped up operations against cybercrime in recent years, maintaining that all suspects arrested during its investigations are entitled to a fair hearing and remain innocent until proven guilty by the courts.