Thirty-four suspected internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo Boys have been arrested in Ibadan and Lagos State.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which disclosed the arrest via a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, said the suspects were apprehended in separate operations in Oyo and Lagos.
“Twenty-four of the suspects, most of whom claimed to be undergraduates, were rounded up today April 1, 2021 at their hideout in Apete area of Ibadan, Oyo State by operatives from the Ibadan Zonal Office of the Commission,” the statement partly read.
The suspects were identified as Isiaka Quadri Olawale, Ojubanire Akindimeji Abdulquadri, Shobowale Michael Morenikeji, Adeyemi Yusuf Ekundayo, Alabi Gift Jesse, Owolabi Yakubu Joseph, Olasupo Ogooluwa Ayomide, Emmanuel Segun Omogbolahan, Mufutau Sarafa Adewale, and Adekunle Habeeb Olamilekan.
Others included Usman Abdullahi Olamilekan, Adurota Emmanuel Tosin, Adekunle Ibrahim Babatunde, Adeyiga Ayobami Emmanuel, Olubanji Remilekun Michael, Ibrahim Damola Iremide, Okunlaja Joshua Opeyemi, Aiyelokun Bolaji Emmanuel, Akintokun Olalekan Ibukunmi, Kehinde Victor Boluwatife, Oni Olanrewaju Gabriel, Shobowale Samuel Durodola, Owolabi Quadri Damilola and Monday Blessing Patrick.
According to the anti-graft agency, the early morning raid followed actionable intelligence on their alleged involvement in internet-related crimes.
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The arrest led to the recovery of valuable items, including four exotic cars, mobile phones, laptops, SIM cards and several incriminating documents.
The remaining ten suspects were arrested by Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Office on March 30 at Horizon II Estate, Meadow Hall Way, Lekki, Lagos following credible information on their alleged criminal activities.
The suspects who are allegedly involved in romance scam, unemployment benefits scam, identity theft, and purchase of malicious tools to compromise corporate email accounts and intercept email messages, include Daniel Udegbe, Taiwo Akintimehin, Abiola Opeyemi, Great Shayo Akintimehin, Dikoyejo Damilola Emmanuel, Ibiayinabobo Daso and Toheeb Alhassan.
Others are Michael Ofoedu Obinna, Sanni Azeez and Ridwan Adeyinka Songonuga.
Items recovered from the suspects include mobile phones and laptop computers.
While noting that the suspects have volunteered statements, EFCC’s spokesman said they “would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”
