On May 2, 2023, operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the
Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC) arrested 33 suspects for their
alleged involvement in computer-related fraud at the Iyana Ipaja axis of Lagos
State. Among the suspects was Owoseni Gabriel, who had posed as a woman to
evade arrest.
The EFCC had received credible intelligence on the activities
of some young boys involved in computer-related fraud and had carried out a
sting operation to apprehend them. During the operation, Gabriel had dressed in
female attire and wore a wig to avoid being identified.
The EFCC confirmed that investigations would be conducted,
and the suspects would be charged to court once they were concluded. Among the
items recovered from the suspects were a Toyota Camry 2005 model, a Toyota
Camry 2009 model, mobile phones, and laptop computers.
The other 31 suspects arrested alongside Gabriel were
Salaudeen Hammed, Akinsanya Olamilekan, Olamofe Joshua, Akindele Saheed,
Damilare Micheal, Patoki Ayomiku, Olakunle Ismail, Babalola Ayomide, Afolabi
Olaibola, Abiodun Olayinka, Samuel Ogunyemi, Adebayo Olarewaju, Abdul-Fatai
Olawale, and Hassan Ayofe. The rest of the suspects were Samson Jeremiah,
Kolawole Afeez, Makinde Oluwasegun, Daniel Seun, Adefolahan Isreal, Olusegun
Emmanuel, Olawore Micheal, Hammed Raheem, Micheal Tunde, Francis Chibundu, Jesse
Oluwatobiloba, Adenekan Ayotunde, Qudus Adeyi, Sulaimon Oladimeji, Kayode
Sunday, Daniel Owosine, and Boluwatife Gbolahan.
Computer-related fraud, commonly known as cybercrime, is a
growing problem in Nigeria, and the EFCC has been cracking down on perpetrators
in recent years. The EFCC has been working tirelessly to curb the activities of
fraudsters and to bring them to justice. The agency has urged members of the
public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest
EFCC office.
