EFCC denies harassment in Lekki raid
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied allegations of harassment, intimidation and unlawful arrests during an early morning raid on Applewood Estate, Orchid Road, Lekki, Lagos, which resulted in the arrest of 21 suspected internet fraudsters.
In a statement on Tuesday, the commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said operatives of its Lagos Directorate 1 conducted the operation at about 5am on Monday, 26 October 2026, following intelligence gathering and surveillance.
Oyewale said the suspects were allegedly involved in defrauding unsuspecting victims through gift cards, cryptocurrency transactions and international money transfers while impersonating other individuals.
He disclosed that five luxury vehicles were recovered during the operation, describing the arrests as professionally conducted.
“The operation, carried out by 5am, yielded the arrest of 21 suspected cybercrime fraudsters and five exotic cars,” Oyewale said.
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HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. AHMADU UMARU FINTIRI
HAPPY 59TH BIRTHDAY, YOUR EXCELLENCY! The Governing Council, Management, Staff and entire University Community of Adamawa State University, Mubi, heartily felicitate with Your Excellency on the joyous occasion of your 59th birthday. We celebrate your commitment to educational advancement and the development of Adamawa State. May Almighty God grant you sound health, divine wisdom, long life and greater accomplishments. Happy 59th Birthday, Your Excellency!
Professor Clement Augustine, Vice Chancellor, ADSU, Mubi
He said preliminary investigations had implicated 19 suspects, while two others were released after investigators found insufficient grounds to continue holding them.
According to the commission, the 19 suspects will be arraigned in court.
Addressing allegations of misconduct, Oyewale confirmed that a young woman was temporarily detained after allegedly attempting to alert the suspects through telephone calls during the operation.
He said her mobile phone was confiscated to prevent interference with the exercise but was returned after the operation ended.
“A young lady that stood in the way of the operation by making telephone calls to alert the fraudsters was held and her phone confiscated until the conclusion of the operation. The phone was later released to her,” he said.
The commission maintained that its operatives acted within the law and rejected claims that residents or other individuals were subjected to unlawful treatment.
“The sting operation at Applewood Estate was professionally carried out, with no record of harassment, intimidation or unlawful arrest of anyone,” Oyewale said.
The EFCC urged Nigerians to support its campaign against economic and financial crimes, stressing that public cooperation remained essential to tackling cybercrime.
It said it welcomed constructive engagement and legitimate criticism but warned against what it described as attempts to undermine its operations through blackmail and alarmism.
The commission’s account could not be independently verified, and the allegations of harassment remain disputed.