At least fifty suspected internet fraudsters, including a groom-to-be, were arrested over the weekend by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission during raids on two nightclubs in Akure, the capital of Ondo State.
The groom-to-be and his friends, who were celebrating his bachelor’s eve at one of the clubs, were among those apprehended by the operatives.
It was learnt that the two raided nightclubs are located in the Alagbaka Government Reservation Area of the state capital.
An eyewitness reported that the EFCC operatives arrived at the nightclubs around 1 a.m. in several marked vehicles and fired sporadically into the air, causing chaos and injuries as patrons scrambled for safety.
Sources indicate that numerous vehicles, laptops, and telephones were confiscated, and the clubhouses’ CCTV systems were removed and taken away by the operatives.
A witness at one of the raided nightclubs told newsmen, “They entered the nightclubs and lounges, tear-gassing people, beating them up, and arresting them. They don’t care who you are. Many people, including security personnel, were injured as they shot tear gas canisters inside one of the clubs. They also went away with a groom and his friends at a club. He was there for his bash eve. So sad as they profiled everyone as Internet fraudsters.”
The security operatives have yet to make any statement regarding the arrests made during the raid.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights and Member representing Ondo East/West Federal Constituency, Hon. Abiola Makinde, has condemned the raid. In a statement signed by his media aide, Moshood Alli, Makinde described the raid as an invasion of the privacy of innocent Nigerian citizens.
“The news about the EFCC raid at Signatures Club is quite disturbing,” Makinde said. “I spoke with the Head of the team. He informed me that they have their orders and intelligence reports. I’ll admonish our people to remain calm while this matter is investigated and resolved.”
Makinde emphasized the need for the EFCC to adhere to human rights principles while conducting its operations.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as Nigeria’s premier anti-graft agency, has a critical role in combating financial crimes. However, it is imperative that in the pursuit of justice, the EFCC adheres strictly to the principles of human rights. Reports of raids leading to violations of personal dignity and privacy, such as the incident involving a former Big Brother Naija housemate, highlights the need for the EFCC to conduct operations with respect for the law and human decency.”
He further stated, “Please note that the agency’s mandate to investigate financial crimes does not exempt it from the obligation to respect human rights, which includes ensuring that raids are conducted legally, with proper warrants, and without undue harm to individuals. The concerns raised by various incidents underscore the importance of accountability and adherence to human rights standards to maintain public trust in law enforcement agencies.”
Makinde concluded by saying, “I’ll activate the State Director of the National Human Rights Commission, Mr. Sunday Oyewole, to look into the matter. Any violations will be addressed between the two federal agencies.”
