By Akanimo Kufre (The New Diplomat’s A/Ibom|C/River Correspondent)
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stormed some hideouts of suspected internet fraudsters popularly known as yahoo-boys, at Owerri in Imo state, arresting twenty-two of them at different locations in the state.
The arrests came after operatives from the Uyo EFCC Zonal Office gathered intelligence on the nefarious activities of the alleged criminals.
Read also: EFCC Releases 5.7bn Out of N7.9bn Seized From Okorocha To Imo Govt.
The all-male suspects, whose ages range from 20 to 41 were nabbed during a 3-hour raid last Monday,
September 8, 2020, in Ugwuma town and Egbu, Owerri North local government area of Imo state.
Among the suspects are; Chinonso Anozie Frank, Ogadibo Victor Chikeluba, Clinton Njoku Onyekachi, Okoro Edwin Chigozie, Anozie Chibuzor Harold, Anyaeriuba Canice, Ogbuehi Anderson, Okere Nonye, Njoku Paul Chibuike, Ndalaka Felix Chukwuebuka and Anele Chibuike Timothy.
Others are; Chidi Kalu, Uparai Daniel, Ubochi Christian Ikechukwu, Udoka Obi, Chiagozie Morris Obiano, Moses Akaedite, Henry Princewill Chisom, Prince Ibe, Ugwuegbu Fredrick Ekenna, William Peter Obinna and Udoka Ihiekwe Kelechi.
At the time of their arrest, several cars and gadgets were recovered from them. They include: A black Lexus E5 330 with registration number NWA 866 AW; A silver coloured Toyota Corolla LE with registration number, FST 520 GJ; A silver coloured Toyota Camry with registration number, KRD 687 GF; and a blue Toyota Corolla LE with registration number, RSH 889 TD.
Others include a silver coloured Lexus E5 with registration number, MMA 745 AC; a black Toyota Venza with registration number, KWL 134 AV; a grey coloured Mercedes ML350 Jeep with registration number, GWA 587 EP and a silver coloured Toyota Highlander with registration number, BWR 912 JV.
Also recovered from them are 15 laptops and 20 sophisticated mobile phones.
According to the EFCC, the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
The Nigerian Cybercrime Act 2015 prescribes the death penalty for an offence committed against a system or network that has been designated critical national infrastructure of Nigeria that results in the death of an individual.
Under the Cybercrime Act 2015 in Nigeria, anyone found guilty of unlawfully accessing a computer system or network, are liable to a fine of up to N10 million or a term of imprisonment of 5 years.
The same punishment is also meted out to internet fraudsters who are stucked in the acts either by sending electronic messages, or accessing and using data stored on computer systems.
