The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, recently addressed rumours surrounding a significant arrest made by the EFCC in Akure, debunking speculations by confirming that it was indeed a gathering associated with cybercrime, commonly known as a "Yahoo party." Olukoyede clarified that the operation in Akure resulted in the arrest of 127 individuals suspected of involvement in cyber fraud, originating from nine local government areas.
According to Olukoyede, out of the 127 individuals apprehended, 113 were found to be implicated in cybercrime activities. Legal proceedings have already commenced against nearly 80 of the suspects, while the remaining individuals are slated to face charges in court in due course. This operation mirrored a similar one conducted in Lagos, where over 100 people were also indicted for cyber fraud.
In his interview with TVC, Olukoyede emphasized the EFCC's commitment to combatting cybercrime nationwide. He highlighted ongoing surveillance efforts across the country aimed at apprehending individuals engaged in fraudulent activities and ensuring they face justice.
The Chairman stressed the severity of cybercrime's impact on Nigeria, stressing the need for concerted efforts to address this menace effectively. He expressed the agency's proactive stance in tackling cyber fraud, reinforcing their determination to uphold law and order while safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria's financial sector.
PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO FROM 0:09
Hear him: ''It was a Yahoo party, forget about what you read online. It was a Yahoo party in Akure and they all came from 9 LG, we arrested 127 of them. We discovered that 113 of them were indicted, we have filed charges against almost 80 of them and the remaining will have their days in Court. That is what happened, they were fully indicted. In Lagos operation that we carried out, over 100 people have been indicted. Infact we have filed 50 charges again just 50 of them and we are filing against the remaining 50 in the next two weeks. And so we are working and we have mounted surveillance across every part of the country. It is important for us to understand the kind of menace that this cyber crime is causing Nigeria.''