EFCC arrests 117 suspected internet fraudsters in Lagos

• Law Firm Warns Midnight Raids May Replicate #EndSARS Protest

Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) have arrested 117 suspected Internet fraudsters in Lagos.

The suspects were arrested at a hotel in Iyana- Ishasi, Lagos in a sting operation, following verified intelligence about their alleged involvement in computer-related fraud.

Items recovered from the suspects, at the point of arrest, included mobile phones,  laptop computers and four cars. EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said they would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Meanwhile, a Law firm, Deji Adeyanju and Partners, has cautioned the EFCC against act that may lead to another #EndSARS protest.Although the EFCC chairman has ordered an immediate arrest of the officers that assaulted a staff of the hotel in Lagos, the firm, reacting to the development in Abuja through its Founding Partner, Deji Adeyanju, urged the commission to be careful not to create a wave of citizens’ dissatisfaction against its operations, like the type that led to the #EndSARS protest.

Adeyanju recalled that just a few weeks ago, similar allegations of unnecessary use of force were made against officers of the EFCC, following the Commission’s midnight ‘sting operation’ at a night club in Akure.

He said: “While we recognise the Commission’s powers to investigate all economic crimes, including cybercrimes that have become a menace in our country, we, urge the commission to adopt more intelligence- based techniques in its investigation and arrest of alleged cybercrime offenders.

“The frequent midnight raid of hotels and other places of entertainment does not only adversely affect these businesses, who may be innocent, but also increases the possibility of innocent persons being caught in the cross fire.

“More importantly, citizens right to freedom of movement is constitutionally guaranteed, and same should not be breached in the guise of midnight ‘sting operations’ which the current chairman of EFCC had earlier banned.”

“While we commend the EFCC’s chairman for the immediate arrest of the officers that assaulted the Regional Hotel staff, we, however, urge the Commission to be careful not to create a wave of citizens’ dissatisfaction against its operations, like the type that led to the ENDSARS protest. A word of caution!., he said.

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