EFCC nabs 31 alleged Internet fraudsters, 27 suspected illegal oil bunkerers

Etim Ekpimah

Operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Sunday, September 12, 2021 arrested 31 suspected internet fraudsters. The suspects were arrested in two separate locations in Benin City sequel to actionable intelligence.

Among those arrested are suspected fraudsters who, a few weeks ago, were seen in a viral video standing on top of their cars and throwing bundles of Naira notes into the air at a popular Plaza in Benin City. They had embarked on a similar mission at the same venue on Sunday before they were intercepted by operatives of the Commission at the exit gate.

Head, Media and Publicity, Mr Wilson Uwujaren said the other suspects were arrested at their hideout in Benin City.

According to him, those arrested are Essien Sunday, Joseph Nwosu, Samuel Victor, Abdurahman Abudulahi, Uwaifo Destiny, Osaro Osarere, Favour Oleye, Smart Okunvobo, Oduwa Osahon, Osaretin Blessed, Frank Osas, Aisosa Kelly, Richard Ehigie, Destiny Omoru, Jacob Kelvin, Aker Kelly, Promise Godspower, Lucky Dickson and Osamode Efosa.

Others are Osamuyi Aigbe-Egharevba, Ohumumwen Osaremen, Christopher Momodu, Aigbe Destiny, Eti-osa Osamwonyi, Patrick Benson Osaguna, Victor Kenyei, Marvellous Atiti, Gift Ebuehi, Osayi Casmir, Osahenkhoe Godstime and Paul Okoh.

Uwujaren said items recovered from the suspects at the point of arrest include 13 exotic cars, including Lexus ES 350, Lexus 350, Lexus RX 350, Lexus ES 350, Lexus RX 350, Lexus RX 350, Lexus IS 350, Toyota Venza, Mercedes C300, Mercedes ML350, Range Rover Evoque, GLK 350 4Matic and Toyota Camry.

He added that other items also recovered from the fraudsters are laptop computers, phones, documents, and identity cards.

The suspects have made useful statements and will be arraigned in court as soon as investigations are completed.

Meanwhile, operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested twenty-seven (27) individuals in connection with suspicious illegal oil bunkering.

Uwujaren said the suspects were arrested on Friday, September 10, 2021, at Ahoada Local Government Area, Rivers State.

“The suspects are Mohammad Bello; Abubarkar Umar; Abdulkarim Ibrahim; Mohammad Bashimu; Bello Mohammad, Abdullahi Murtala; Paul Paparoman; Abdullahi Ibrahim; Usman Abdulahi; Illiyasu Ibrahim and Idris Dahiru.

“Others are Husseini Yaiu;  Bala Audu;  Ibrahim Muhammad;  Auwal Abdulsalam;  Laminu Yusuf;  Suleiman Abubarkar;  Abdulahi Musa;  Mamuda Abdulahi;  Edima Samuel Gospel;   Nural Abdulahi;  Dauda Adamu;  Adamu Ibrahim;  Ali Abah;  Sabiu Sani,  Azumi Blaik and Keshim Ordu.

According to him, the suspects were arrested in a random raid conducted by the EFCC, based on verified intelligence on their alleged illegal oil bunkering activities.

He stated that during the arrest, large quantities of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were found with them.  Twenty (20) jerry cans and 25 litres of the products, stored in drums and tanks, ready for onward transportation to various locations, were intercepted.

The suspects would be charged to court as soon as the investigation is concluded.