In a dramatic raid on Saturday morning, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested a groom-to-be during his bachelor’s eve party in Akure, Ondo State. The EFCC operation targeted lounges and event centers in the Alagbaka area, leading to the detention of over 50 individuals alleged to be internet fraudsters, commonly known as “yahoo boys.”
The raid, characterized by chaos and gunfire, saw EFCC personnel arrive in multiple vehicles, firing shots into the air to disperse patrons at the fun spots. Among the items seized were vehicles, laptops, smartphones, and other personal belongings.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and violent. One source recounted, “We were all having fun when we suddenly saw the EFCC people entering the nightclubs. Then they tear-gassed everyone, beating them up and arresting them. They don’t care who they are, as they shot tear gas canisters inside one of the clubs.”
The groom-to-be, who was celebrating with friends, was among those arrested and taken away by EFCC operatives. The raid has sparked outrage among the local community, with many condemning the indiscriminate profiling of individuals as internet fraudsters.
In a related incident, the Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC arrested three individuals for spraying naira notes during a burial ceremony in Asaba, Delta State.
The suspects, identified as Stanley Ogbolu, 35, Odiaka Sorwu, 42, and Kelvin Anyakwu, 42, were detained for naira abuse. The EFCC stated, “The suspects were arrested following credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in naira abuse.”
The commission indicated that the suspects would face court charges once investigations are completed.
The EFCC’s recent actions highlight its intensified efforts to clamp down on internet fraud and naira abuse, though the methods and broad arrests have drawn criticism from various quarters.
