EFCC arrests 19 for internet fraud in Benin

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 19 suspects in Benin City, Edo State, for their alleged involvement in internet fraud.

According to a statement shared via the agency’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, the arrests were made on Saturday by operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate. The operation was based on credible intelligence, which identified the individuals as being connected to online scams and fraudulent schemes.

The EFCC said the suspects were involved in various cybercrime activities aimed at deceiving unsuspecting victims through illicit internet operations.

Details of the alleged crimes have yet to be disclosed.

During the operation, authorities seized significant items from the suspects, including five exotic cars and multiple 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