The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 15 suspected internet fraudsters in Sagamu, Ogun State, following an intelligence-led operation in the Shotubo and Awoluwo areas.
According to the anti-graft agency, the suspects, all young Yoruba men between the ages of 17 and 24, were allegedly involved in internet fraud schemes, including love scams and identity theft. Items recovered during the raid included laptops, mobile phones containing scanned forged documents, six exotic cars, charms, and multiple SIM cards.
In a shocking twist, operatives also uncovered ritual paraphernalia from the home of a suspected syndicate kingpin, identified as Adesanya R. Olaoluwa, alleged to be a herbalist who conducts rituals for fraudsters to hypnotize their victims. Items recovered included coffins, calabashes, and gourds.
- Adeyemi Tiwatope, 20
- Odeyemi Olawale, 20
- Nike Afolabi Olaiya, 20
- Awe Abimbola Ireti, 23
- Yusuf Aliu Oluwafemi, 20
- Osidipe Olatunbosun, 24
- Tosin Adesanya, 19
- Adeyinka Bello, 17
- Aliu Lukman, 18
- Damilola Fatona, 20
- Shonubi Adetola, 18
- Adewale Babatunde, 17
- Afolabi Lekan, 19
- Awe Ayodele, 24
- Adeyemi Gbadebo, 19
Commenting on the development, a concerned citizen, Dr. Nura, questioned the role of parents and communities in curbing the rising trend of youth involvement in internet fraud.
“Look critically at the given ages of these young Yoruba adults and I ask again, where are the parents? What has become of our community living and faith-based organisations? May Nigeria succeed,” he lamented.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to intensify its clampdown on cybercrime and warned that ritualistic practices tied to fraud would not go unpunished.