The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended 28 individuals suspected of involvement in internet fraud in Akwa Ibom and Edo states.

The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, disclosed the arrests in a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to Oyewale, the arrests took place on October 7 during a coordinated sting operation based on credible intelligence regarding the suspects’ fraudulent activities. In Akwa Ibom, 13 suspects were arrested in the Nwaniba area of Uyo, while 15 suspects were taken into custody in Benin City, Edo State.

Items seized from the suspects in Akwa Ibom included two Lexus 350 saloon cars, a Toyota Camry V6, a Toyota Corolla, six laptops, and 20 smartphones. In Benin, four luxury vehicles, laptops, and phones were recovered from the suspects.

The EFCC confirmed that the suspects will be charged to court following the conclusion of investigations.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested five Chinese nationals for alleged illegal mining activities in Ndito-Eka-Iba village, located in the Ibiono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

This was disclosed by Mr. Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the EFCC, in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja. He explained that the arrests were made by the Commission’s Special Task Force on Illegal Mining, operating out of the EFCC’s Uyo Zonal office.

According to Mr. Oyewale, the operation was based on credible intelligence concerning illicit mining operations conducted by foreign companies in both Eket and Ibiono Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom.

The five suspects, identified as Zhon Qinping (arrested on September 10) and Li Yi, Xie Bin, Chen Mou Zhou, and Chen Zeng (arrested on August 29), were detained at an illegal mining site where ilmenite, a titanium-iron oxide mineral, was being extracted.

“The suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations,” Mr. Oyewale stated.

The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Waheed Ayilara, has issued a stern warning to officers and personnel under his command against engaging in unprofessional conduct.

He emphasized that the Command will take strict action against any officer found guilty of misconduct.

This warning was delivered at the conclusion of his comprehensive tour of the 31 local government areas in the state, which included visits to Area Commands, Divisions, and Formations. During his interactions with officers, Ayilara reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel, urging them to maintain professional behavior in their duties.

Ayilara assured communities across Akwa Ibom State that the Command will continue to safeguard citizens’ rights through the Police Complaint Response Unit, which has been established to address grievances and complaints from the public.

The Commissioner solicited support from local government chairmen and community stakeholders in the fight against crime. He highlighted the importance of strategic security measures and community collaboration to prevent criminal activities in the state.

Reiterating his dedication to protecting lives and property, Ayilara invited constructive criticism and contributions from citizens, stating that his leadership is service-oriented and open to feedback.

The primary purpose of his tour was to assess the conditions of police divisions, engage with local stakeholders, gather intelligence, and connect with community members to better understand their security needs.

In conclusion, CP Ayilara called for a strategic partnership between the police and all stakeholders to enhance crime prevention efforts in Akwa Ibom State.