No fewer than 14 suspected internet fraudsters will be prosecuted in court after being arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged involvement in internet-related crimes.
The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the anti-graft agency for allegedly engaging in various forms of cybercrime, including cyber extortion, online fraud, and hacking.
They were arrested by officers from the EFCC’s Uyo Zonal Directorate during a coordinated raid aimed at tackling cybercrime in the state.
As gatherde, the arrests followed credible intelligence linking the suspects to internet fraud activities in the Afaha Offot, Ikot Atuen, Abak, and Nwaniba areas of Akwa Ibom State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the EFCC said the operation was carried out after weeks of surveillance and monitoring of the suspects’ alleged criminal activities.
The Commission further disclosed that several items believed to be linked to the suspects’ illicit dealings were recovered during the raid.
Items recovered include 19 mobile phones and three laptop computers allegedly used in perpetrating the cybercrimes.
The EFCC confirmed that all suspects are currently in custody and will be formally charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The agency also reiterated its commitment to eradicating internet fraud and other forms of financial crime, urging members of the public to continue providing useful information to aid its efforts.
