The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign 23 suspected internet fraudsters before Justice D. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, August 15, 2025.
The suspects are part of a group of 93 individuals apprehended during a sting operation at a hotel within the precincts of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State. EFCC officials disclosed that the operation followed credible intelligence linking the suspects to a network of cybercrime activities, including impersonation, identity theft, and other internet-related offences.
According to the EFCC, the arrests were made during a pool party allegedly organised to celebrate the group’s illicit gains. The gathering was initially scheduled to hold at two separate locations but was later moved to the OOPL hotel in an attempt to avoid detection. Investigations revealed that the change of venue was a calculated move by the organisers, who mistakenly believed the location would shield them from law enforcement scrutiny.
The anti-graft agency emphasised that the OOPL facility itself was not a target of the operation and played no role in the alleged crimes. Instead, EFCC operatives focused on apprehending the specific individuals under investigation. Many of the suspects have reportedly confessed to their involvement in cyber fraud.
The Commission confirmed that the arraignment will be conducted in batches, with the remaining suspects expected to face charges in due course. The EFCC reiterated its commitment to pursuing cybercrime cases vigorously, stressing that internet fraud undermines national security, damages Nigeria’s reputation, and exploits unsuspecting victims both locally and internationally.
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