Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have swooped on a cybercrime syndicate specialising in defrauding the unsuspecting public of cash through dubious deals on social media.
Consequently, no fewer than 17 suspects have been rounded up in various locations in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
Those arrested included; Osita Emmanuel (25 years), Saint Johnson, (20 years), Peter Lucky (26 years), Samuel Asuquo, (28 years), Raphael James, (29 years), Chimobi Moses, (29 years), Edara Ubong, (21 years) and Nchekwube Paul, (23 years).
Others are, Happiness Anietie Michael (23 years), Christopher Edet (32years), Amadi Justice (27 years), Patrick Ahiakwo, (30 years), Sunday Umoh (24 years), Michael Ekerette Sunday, (25 years), Kennedy Etim Okokon, (29 years), Igwe Greg, (30 years), and Goodnews Ita, (23 years).
The head-in-charge of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, briefing journalists in Uyo, said the suspects were arrested on April 11 and 14, 2025, “in an intelligence-driven sting operation.”
He listed their dens as Use—Offot Nwaniba, Urua Ekpa, Ring Road 3, Ikot Ekpene Road, Calabar Itu Road, and the Mechanic Village areas of the state capital.
Items recovered from them included 26 smartphones, three laptop computers, a white Lexus IS 250 with registration number ABJ—739AV, a metallic grey Toyota Corolla with registration number KTE-687EP, a black Lexus 350 with registration number BWR-36LN, and a black GLE with Registration number FST-863JS.
Oyewale vowed the arrested suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
