EFCC arrests 8 internet fraudsters in Abuja (photos)

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested nine internet fraudsters in Abuja.

According to the anti-graft agency, the suspects were apprehended on Friday, November 30, following intelligence report.

Valuables worth millions of naira were confiscated and the suspects will be arraigned before a court, according to the EFCC.

The statement reads: "The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has arrested nine Internet fraudsters popularly known as Yahoo-Yahoo boys, in Abuja.

"The suspects were arrested by the Advance Fee Fraud Section of the Commission on November 30, 2018 through an intelligence report received on the fraudulent activities of the suspected fraudsters residing somewhere along Airport Road, as they were obviously living above their means.

"Operatives of the EFCC had carried out surveillance for days on the activities of the fraudsters before they swooped in on them. The suspects are: Edwin Ogbomwan, Okouromi Franklin, Oseji Collins, Collins Onyekwuluje, Anyanechi Ekene, Tony Oviasuyi, Chidi Emeshili, Osaigbovo Aiseos and Osaigbovo Ikponmnosa.

"The suspects had turned their residence into a safe haven for fraudulent activities using it as a place of abode and an operational office with computers, laptops, phones, modems, sim cards and so many other tools used to defraud Nigerians and foreigners alike of their hard earned money and valuables.

"The suspects had created an identity using the names Thomas Jerry Star and John Ben.

"The suspects aged between 19 and 26 years were arrested with two GLK Mercedes Benz, One Toyota Camry, Lexus Jeep and other valuables worth millions of naira, which they acquired through the proceeds from their fraudulent activities. 

They are currently cooperating with the Commission and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.

Recall that Legit.ng previously reported that the acting chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, said that the anti-graft agency had asked the United Kingdom to extradite former petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, and other Nigerians who have allegedly looted the country's commonwealth but are hiding in the UK.

Magu said the commission had secured a number of temporary and permanent forfeiture of property and various sums of money unlawfully acquired by persons of questionable character.