EFCC conducts cybercrime raid and theft prosecution in Nigeria

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has conducted a major operation against alleged internet fraud in Lagos. During a raid at Applewood Estate in Lekki, operatives arrested 21 individuals suspected of cybercrime. The commission plans to prosecute 19 of the suspects, while two were released following preliminary investigations.

The investigation focused on individuals allegedly using stolen identities to defraud victims through gift cards, cryptocurrency transactions, and international money transfers. During the 5:00 a.m. operation, officials also seized five luxury vehicles. The EFCC defended the professionalism of its officers following social media scrutiny regarding the handling of a resident during the raid.

In a separate legal matter, the EFCC arraigned businessman Oladipo Akanle and his company, Avalanche Trade 1307, before a Lagos State High Court. Akanle is accused of stealing N23m that was erroneously transferred into his bank account in January 2023. While the defense noted that N10m has been refunded, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.