The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) apprehended 19 individuals on Saturday in Benin City, Edo State, over allegations of involvement in internet fraud.
In a statement shared on its X handle on Monday, the EFCC revealed that the arrests were conducted by operatives from the Benin Zonal Directorate, following credible intelligence linking the suspects to fraudulent online activities.
The intelligence reportedly identified the group as being involved in schemes aimed at defrauding unsuspecting victims through illegal internet operations.
While details of the alleged crimes remain undisclosed, the operation led to the confiscation of several items, including five luxury vehicles and numerous smartphones.
The statement read, “Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday, April 12, 2025, arrested 19 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations within Benin City, Edo State.
“The suspects were arrested based on credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities.
“Items recovered from them included five exotic cars and smartphones.”
The EFCC has also assured the public that the suspects will face legal consequences as soon as investigations are complete.
“They would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” EFCC assured.
This latest crackdown follows a series of similar operations by the EFCC in Edo State and beyond, reflecting the agency’s intensified focus on tackling internet fraud, commonly referred to as “yahoo-yahoo” in Nigeria.