EFCC Nabs 47 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 47 suspected internet fraudsters in Benin City.

The arrests were made on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at different locations in the city, following credible intelligence gathered by the commission’s operatives.

According to a statement released by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, the suspects were apprehended after a thorough investigation linked them to various fraudulent internet activities, including phishing, identity theft, and online scams.

The commission’s spokesperson, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed that the arrests were made possible through a combination of intelligence gathering and surveillance.

“We have been monitoring the activities of these suspects for some time now, and we have sufficient evidence to prove their involvement in internet fraud.

“We will not tolerate any form of cybercrime in this country, and we will continue to work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice,” Uwujaren said.

The EFCC operatives recovered several items from the suspects at the point of arrest, including five exotic cars, numerous smartphones, and laptop computers.

These items are believed to have been acquired through the proceeds of their fraudulent activities.

The suspects, whose ages range from 20 to 35, are currently being detained at the EFCC’s facility in Benin City, where they are being interrogated and profiled.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded, and if found guilty, they will face the full weight of the law.

This latest crackdown on internet fraud is part of the EFCC’s efforts to reduce the incidence of cybercrime in Nigeria. The commission has been working closely with other law enforcement agencies, both locally and internationally, to track down and prosecute individuals involved in online fraud.