A major cybercrime bust in Ogun State has seen the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrest 55 suspected internet fraudsters and recover firearms, luxury vehicles, and scores of digital devices.
The arrests were made on Wednesday during a surprise sting operation at K Hotel in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area. According to the EFCC’s Ibadan Zonal Command, the raid was triggered by credible intelligence pointing to an alleged cybercrime hub operating from the premises.
Guns, Exotic Cars, and 89 Unclaimed Phones Seized
During the sweep, operatives confiscated two locally-made pistols, six high-end cars, a motorcycle, several laptops, dozens of mobile phones, incriminating documents, and an additional 89 unclaimed handsets believed to be linked to ongoing investigations.
The agency released some names from the arrest list, including Ogunniyi Oluwaseun, Babalola Ibrahim, Dada Qowiyu, Kunle Ajayi, Rufai Suleman, Babajide Shedrack, Oloyede Toheeb, Monday Joseph, Akinbode Babatunde, Oyedipe Micheal, Adekunle Jeremiah, Mustapha Muyideen, Mike Opeyemi, Bale Abayomi, Odukoya Samuel, and Joseph Oyegunle. The identities of the remaining suspects are being withheld pending further verification.
Part of a Wider Crackdown on “Yahoo Yahoo”
The EFCC says preliminary interrogations have already yielded “useful information” and confirmed that all 55 suspects will remain in custody until they are formally charged in court.
This latest operation is part of a broader crackdown on cybercrime — locally referred to as “Yahoo Yahoo” — that has intensified across Ogun, Oyo, and Lagos States.
Just two months ago, EFCC operatives arrested 33 suspected internet fraudsters in Ibadan, Oyo State. In May, over 40 suspects were apprehended in Abeokuta. Many of these arrests took place in hotels or short-let apartments allegedly serving as safe havens for online fraud.
EFCC Calls for Public Vigilance
The commission has repeatedly warned that cybercrime poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s global reputation and economic stability. It is urging hotel owners, landlords, and the general public to report suspicious activities immediately.
“We will continue to hunt down individuals sabotaging the nation’s image and financial systems through fraudulent online schemes,” the EFCC said in its statement.
All suspects from the Itori raid remain in EFCC custody as investigations continue.