LAGOS — Operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 have made significant strides in the fight against cybercrime, arresting 38 individuals suspected of being involved in internet fraud.
The arrests occurred at Mambillah Hotel on Omodisu Street in Ikorodu, Lagos, following reliable intelligence and extensive surveillance on cybercriminal activities in the area. According to a Facebook post by the EFCC, the operation led to the seizure of various items, including vehicles, mobile phones, and a combination of psychoactive and controlled substances.
The arrested suspects will face court proceedings once the investigation has been concluded.
In a related development, two brothers, Teddy Ovbokhan Hart and Rooney Odion Hart, were among 12 individuals convicted and sentenced by Justice M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court, located in Benin City. The convictions took place on Thursday, with the group found guilty of several fraud-related offenses.
The 10 other individuals convicted alongside the Hart brothers are: Thompson Ogbeide, Iria Saturday Blessed, Igbinomwania Lucky Godspower, Ojiezele Felix, Akhigbe Gideon, Osazuwa Oghomwen, Agbonifo Iziegbe, Lucky Osagie, Osemwegie Efosa Michael, and Victor Ojeisemi.
The convicts faced charges including advance fee fraud, obtaining by false pretenses, retention of proceeds of crime, and possession of fraudulent documents. The Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC handled the prosecution.
These arrests and convictions mark another significant step in the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime and fraud in the country.
