The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, says it has arrested nine suspected internet fraudsters, yahoo boys, in Abuja.
A statement by the acting spokesman of EFCC, Mr. Tony Orilade, on Wednesday, said the suspects were cooperating with the commission and would be charged after the conclusion of investigations.
It disclosed that the suspects were arrested by the Advance Fee Fraud Section of the Commission on November 30, 2018, through an intelligence report received on the fraudulent activities of the suspected yahoo boys residing somewhere along Airport road, as they were obviously living above their means.
According to the statement, operatives of the EFCC had carried out surveillance for days on the activities of the fraudsters (yahoo boys) before they swooped in on them.
The suspects are: Edwin Ogbomwan, Okouromi Franklin, Oseji Collins, Collins Onyekwuluje, Anyanechi Ekene, Tony Oviasuyi, Chidi Emeshili, Osaigbovo Aiseos and Osaigbovo Ikponmnosa, aged between 19 and 26 years.
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The statement disclosed that the suspects had turned their residence into an operational office with computers, laptops, phones, modems, sim cards and many other fraudulent tools to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians and foreigners of their hard-earned money and valuables.
They were alleged to have created a phoney identity of ‘Thomas Jerry Star and John Ben’ which they effectively deployed in their deceptive deals.
The statement said the suspects were arrested with two GLK Mercedes Benz, One Toyota Camry, Lexus Jeep and other valuables worth millions of Naira, which they acquired through the proceeds of their ignoble trade.