In response to the widespread criticism and allegations surrounding the recent arrests of 127 suspected internet fraudsters in Akure, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released a detailed statement to address what it describes as “misinformation and distortion of facts.”
The statement, issued by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media & Publicity at EFCC, outlines that the operation was executed flawlessly and professionally at two clubs in Akure on Saturday, June 8, 2024. The agency stresses that the sting operation was based on solid intelligence and strictly adhered to the EFCC’s established procedures, which emphatically prevent any form of brutality or unprofessional conduct.
EFCC’s Rebuttal to Allegations:
The EFCC is confronting narratives, especially a trending social media video showing two women with severe injuries allegedly caused by EFCC operatives during the operation. The commission has denounced these images as possibly staged, announcing plans to conduct a forensic analysis to ascertain the video’s authenticity and pursue legal action against those spreading the misleading footage.
Furthermore, the EFCC refuted claims of using tear gas or inflicting injuries with whips during the operation. The statement clarifies that no CCTV equipment was damaged; rather, it was taken into custody with the assistance of the club’s staff to safeguard the footage for further analysis. The club’s manager, among the arrested, has reportedly admitted involvement in the alleged crimes and is aiding in the ongoing investigation.
Public Skepticism and Continuing Controversy:
Despite the EFCC’s efforts to clarify the events, public skepticism remains high, with several Twitter users challenging the authenticity of the EFCC’s narrative. Tweets from notable figures like @savndaniel and @YemieFash express disbelief and accuse the EFCC of misconduct, citing conflicting evidence seen in social media videos and reports of victims being hospitalized.
Comments from other users like @ayemojubar and @Treovie raise questions about unrelated controversies involving EFCC officials, suggesting a broader mistrust in the agency’s operations and leadership.
Other Reactions
Prince Adeshina (@RealAdeshina):
“Hello @officialEFCC how about this?”
Ekiti Bonafide (@YourZaddi):
“So the video showing your officers with snooker stick telling someone to move towards the wall was staged too?”
Rommy (@rommy_idgaff):
“This is madness. Did EFCC themselves not ban sting operations last year? Here you are admitting that indeed a sting operation was carried out. This is a disgrace and I hope there is a class action lawsuit against you.”
Ibukun Amosu (@amosuibk):
“You mentioned ‘credible intelligence’. You broke into my guy’s house, pinned him to the ground and later didn’t find anything criminal…what intelligence did your team act on?”
Austine not Jay Jay (@AustinINstate):
“What about the Indomie report? Is that one false too? Dem say una eat Indomie 😂.”
Nwafresh (@Nwafresh):
“All what the 127 suspect have in their bank account from Yahoo proceed is not up to 1% of what Yahaya Bello stole. So when are you going to arrest the white lion of Kogi?”
