The Benin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) has raided hotels in Benin City and arrested 93 suspects in a clampdown on internet fraudsters in Edo State.
The Chairman Business and Hoteliers Stakeholders Forum (BHSF) in the state, Omogiade Edokpolor, who disclosed this to journalists while kicking against the raid, said suspects were arrested last Sunday at various hotels while celebrating birthdays.
“Ninety-three suspected internet fraudsters were on Sunday arrested during a clampdown by the EFCC in our various hotels. They have neither been released nor allowed access to their lawyers,” he said.
He said they have lost billions of naira due to the continuous raid and arrest in their facilities as people are now afraid to patronize them over the fear of arrest.
According to him, they are not against the EFCC doing their jobs, but against the way and manner the agency raided their facilities without notifying them and without a search warrant.
Responding, EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewole, confirmed the arrest, saying their arrest was supported by a warrant.
He said internet fraud in Edo State is pervasive and that because of the prevalence and pervasiveness of the crime in the state, “that is why you see us making more arrests in Edo than any other location.”
According to him, the suspects have not been released because the commission has secured a remand order of the court to keep them beyond 48 hours.
By Usman A. Bello, Benin City
