EFCC Arrests 120 Suspected Internet Fraudsters In Lagos, Seizes Luxury Cars, Jewellery

At various places throughout Lagos, 120 alleged online fraudsters—95 men and 25 women—have been taken into custody by agents from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's (EFCC) Lagos Zonal Directorate 1.

Dele Oyewale, EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, stated in a statement on Monday that the arrests took place on Monday, May 19, 2025, after thorough monitoring and reliable intelligence about their suspected involvement in online fraud.

Authorities confiscated 26 luxury cars, pricey jewelry, laptops, smartphones, and a plethora of damning documents during the well-planned operation.

The suspects are being investigated and will be arraigned in court after the investigation is over.

Internet fraud, which is generally known as "Yahoo Yahoo" in Nigeria, has spread throughout the nation and the international digital community.

Nigeria has long been recognized as a cybercrime hotspot. Criminals take use of technological advancements to swindle people, companies, and governments all around the world. Phishing, romance scams, business email compromise, and various types of identity theft are frequently included in these fraudulent operations.

The extent of online fraud has resulted in large financial losses, harmed Nigeria's standing abroad, and made attempts to draw in foreign investment more difficult.

In order to counter this escalating menace, Nigerian authorities—especially the EFCC—have stepped up their efforts through public awareness campaigns, arrests, and prosecutions.

The threat nevertheless exists in spite of these steps, in part because of the high rate of teenage unemployment, the lack of proper cybersecurity infrastructure, and the profitable nature of cybercrime.