In what can be regarded as concerted efforts to sanitise the society, operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Sunday, arrested 31 suspected internet fraudsters. The suspects were arrested in two separate locations in Benin City, sequel to actionable intelligence.
The development came just as the operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the EFCC have arrested 27 individuals in connection with suspicious illegal oil bunkering.
Among those arrested in Benin 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.
The suspects 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.
The other suspects were arrested at their hideout in Benin City.
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.
Items recovered from the suspects at the point of arrest in Benin 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.
Other items recovered from the suspects are laptop computers, phones, documents and identity cards.
Theideal further gathered that the suspects have made useful statement to the operatives and will be arraigned in court as soon as investigations are completed.
Meanwhile, the operatives of the Port Harcourt zonal command arrested the 21 oil bunkerers on Friday, September 10, 2021 at Ahoada Local Government Area of 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 Hussaini 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.
Theideal also learnt that the suspects were arrested during a random raid conducted by the EFCC, based on verified intelligence on their alleged illegal oil bunkering activities.
A top source within the Commission also confided in Theideal that, “In the course of the arrest, large quantities of products suspected to be illegally- refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were found with them.
“Twenty jerry cans and 25 litres of the products, stored in drums and tanks, ready for onward transportation to various locations, were also intercepted.”
Confirming the development, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, added that the suspects would soon be charged to court, once investigation is concluded.
