Youths in Ondo State protested on Monday against a sting operation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at several nightclubs in Akure, the state capital, over the weekend.
The EFCC’s Ibadan Zonal Directorate confirmed the arrest of 127 individuals suspected of internet fraud during the operation.
Protesters gathered at the First Bank area of Akure and marched to the Governor’s Office, passing through NEPA Roundabout.
One demonstrator, Oluwaseun Ogunmola, demanded the unconditional release of those arrested and labeled as internet fraudsters. Another protester, Tobi Akinnubi, criticized the EFCC for assuming that individuals with expensive phones, laptops, and cars are fraudsters, describing this as pure brutality.
The protesters called for justice and urged the Federal Government to investigate the matter.
In response, the EFCC’s Head of Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, released a statement titled “EFCC’s Akure Arrests: Setting the Records Straight.” He urged the public to disregard a viral video showing two women allegedly whipped during the arrests. The EFCC plans to conduct a forensic analysis of the video to prove its falsehood and to prepare a case against those responsible for spreading the “distasteful stunt.”
Oyewale also clarified that no damage was done to the CCTV system at the scene. The device was removed by a club staff member at the EFCC’s request to preserve footage for further analysis of each suspect’s involvement in the alleged crimes.
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