17 Arrested in Kwara Over Alleged Internet Fraud – EFCC

Seventeen suspected internet fraudsters have been arrested by operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during coordinated sting operations in Kwara State.

The arrests, which took place on Tuesday, May 13, were carried out in various locations including Asa Dam, Al-Hikmah University area, and Gaa-Odota in Ilorin, as well as Ganmo and Amoyo in Ifelodun Local Government Area.

According to a statement issued Tuesday night by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the operation was based on actionable intelligence linking the suspects to online fraudulent activities.

“Items recovered from them upon arrest include three luxury vehicles, high-end mobile phones, and laptop computers,” the statement said.

This operation follows a similar sweep last week, in which 47 suspects were picked up across Ilorin and Ifelodun over related offences.

The EFCC stated that the suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Between March and October 2024, the Ilorin Zonal Directorate arrested 103 suspected internet fraudsters. Notably, on March 7, 2024, 48 suspects and a herbalist were apprehended in Lokoja, Kogi State, for alleged conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence. Items seized during that operation included 10 exotic cars, two motorcycles, 11 laptops, 83 mobile phones, and charms.

On October 30, 2024, EFCC operatives also raided a hideout in the Offa metropolis of Kwara State, arresting 55 suspects involved in internet fraud.

The Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC is responsible for anti-corruption operations across Kwara, Kogi, and Ekiti states.