‘Distasteful stunt’: EFCC denies ladies’ assault in Akure raid

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says no suspect was assaulted during the arrest of 127 suspected internet fraudsters in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

It was earlier alleged that the EFCC operatives assaulted some ladies and went away with some properties after the arrest of the suspected internet fraudsters at two nightclubs in Akure on Saturday, June 8.

Reacting to the allegation, the anti-graft agency, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Sunday, June 9, said it was also false that tear gas was fired at the scene of the incident.

Oyewale noted that the EFCC operatives conducted themselves professionally during the sting operation, adding that no damage was done to the CCTV facility at the scene of the arrest.

He stated: “The Operatives executed a classical sting operation at two Clubs simultaneously in Akure based on credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of the suspected fraudsters. The operation, in line with the established ground norm for such engagement, was devoid of any incident as the Operatives conducted themselves professionally.

“It was therefore shocking to be confronted with narratives, particularly from the social media about brutalisation, including a trending video of two ladies showing bodies lacerated by whips.

EFCC arrests 127 internet fraudsters in Akure

“The Commission wants the public to discountenance this video as it may have been stage-managed to achieve motives that are unclear. The Commission will subject this video to forensic analysis to establish its falsehood and prepare a case against purveyors of this distasteful stunt.

“The Commission wishes to state that no suspect was assaulted, brutalised or subjected to any dehumanising treatment during the Saturday operation. It is also false that tear gas was fired at the crime scene.

“Those familiar with the Commission’s operations know that EFCC personnel do not use tear gas during sting operation. The officers that carried out the arrests neither came to the scene of crime with canister of tear gas nor whips, to inflict bodily injuries on suspects.

“It is also important to state that no damage was done to the CCTV facility at the scene of the arrest. The device was removed by a staff of the Club at the instance of operatives of the Commission to preserve the footages for further analysis of the role of each of the arrested suspects in the alleged crime.

“Specifically, one of the arrested suspects, the manager of the Club, who confessed to the crime and directed the removal of the CCTV device for further investigative works by the Commission, is in the custody of the EFCC with the CCTV. He is assisting in the investigation of the crime.”

The EFCC spokesman further described the anti-graft commission as a civilised law enforcement agency with optimal respect for human dignity and the rule of law, adding that the profiling of the arrested suspects has been completed.

“They will be prosecuted accordingly,” Oyewale said.

The Star