The Economic Financial Crimes Commission has arrested 18 suspected internet fraudsters in different locations within Enugu on Monday.
The commission disclosed this in a statement shared on its Twitter handle on Tuesday, adding that 20 mobile phones and two laptops were recovered from the suspects.
The statement read, “Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Command of the EFCC, on Monday, May 1, 2023, arrested eighteen suspected internet fraudsters in different locations within Enugu.
“The suspects include one Chigozie Philips, founder of Holy Family School Abakpa, Enugu, where he allegedly trains prospective cybercriminals.
“Thirteen of his proteges who were arrested in the sting operation are Kingsley Okorie, Henry Chidiebere, Elochukwu Chukwuemeka Micheal, Nelson Nnaji, Joacin Kelvin, Kelechi Ibe, Chinonso James, Udeh Isaiah and Micheal Chukwuemeka.
“Others include Ifeanyi Ozor Bright, Etuma John, Okafor Chukwuemeka, Raymond Chinaza, Desmond James, Ozoma Chinonso Anthony, Uchenna Aka and Ozor Celestine.
“Items recovered from the suspects include 20 mobile phones and two laptops. The suspects have made useful statements and will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is concluded.”
The commission also arrested 19 students of Akwa Ibom State University for internet-related offences.
The commission disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday on its website, noting that the suspects were apprehended on Friday, April 28, 2023.
The commission added that the undergraduate students were arrested at their private hostels – Obong Abasi Lodge and Mfon Obong Lodge -located at Ikot Akpadem in Mkpat-Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state.