Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stormed high-end apartments and cybercafés across Lekki, Ikeja, and Surulere in a coordinated midnight raid, arresting 30 suspected internet fraudsters popularly known as "Yahoo Boys." Witnesses reported dramatic scenes as EFCC officials broke down doors, seized luxury cars, laptops, and mobile devices, and hauled away suspects—some still in pajamas—into waiting Black Maria trucks.
Sources say the suspects are linked to romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and identity theft targeting foreign victims. "We acted on verified intelligence about their operations," said an EFCC spokesperson. "These young men live flamboyantly off stolen money while hardworking Nigerians suffer." Social media erupted with mixed reactions, with some applauding the crackdown while others criticized the "media parade" of suspects before conviction.
Items Recovered: 15 luxury cars (including a 2024 Mercedes G-Wagon), 42 smartphones, fake passports, and stacks of foreign currency.
Connection to Abroad: Some suspects allegedly worked with accomplices in the U.S., Canada, and Europe to launder money.
What’s Next? The suspects face charges under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act, which carries up to 10 years in prison. Meanwhile, critics argue that lack of jobs—not greed—fuels the rise in cybercrime, demanding government intervention.
