The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conducted a raid on two nightclubs in Akure, Ondo State, resulting in the arrest of 127 individuals suspected of internet fraud. The operation, which took place on June 8, 2024, also led to the seizure of various items, including cars, laptops, and phones.
An eyewitness at one of the raided nightclubs reported to newsmen, "They entered the nightclubs and lounges, tear-gassing people, beating them up, and arresting them. They didn’t care who you are; many people, including security personnel, were injured as they shot tear gas canisters inside one of the clubs. They also took away a groom and his friends who were there for his bachelor party, profiling everyone as internet fraudsters."
An X user, Darey, who tweets as #dareybold, shared a video of the raid, captioning it, "This is #officialEFCC leaving Shaunz Lounge Akure while shooting sporadically. They destroyed the club and the rooms in the hotels, forcefully breaking into rooms and destroying the CCTV and the engine."
Another X user, Oluyemi Fasipe, who identifies as #YemiFash, shared a video showing the alleged dehumanization of innocent women at a club in Akure, tweeting, "This is what your rogue officers did to innocent ladies at a club in Akure last night. They also took away their phones after this dehumanization. I am sharing this for the whole world to see how irresponsible and unprofessional your agency can be."
In response, the EFCC stated on Saturday that the suspects were attending a gathering related to internet fraud. The EFCC wrote, "Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 127 suspected internet fraudsters in Ondo State. The alleged internet fraudsters were arrested in an early morning sting operation at a 'Yahoo Party' held simultaneously at Signature and Abah Clubs on Saturday, June 8, 2024, in Akure, Ondo State. Credible intelligence showed that the alleged party was initially scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, 2024, but was later moved to Saturday to beat security and intelligence networks of the EFCC. The suspects have given useful information to investigators. Items recovered from them include ten exotic cars, phones, laptops, a motorcycle, wristwatches, and many incriminating documents. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded."
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