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Richard Ogunsile
Guest
Operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently arrested twenty-nine individuals suspected of engaging in internet fraud, popularly known as ‘Yahoo-Yahoo’ in the Gwagwalada region of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Naija News understands that the arrests were made by the Abuja Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, as reported by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity for the agency.
The statement revealed that the suspects were taken into custody at various locations within Gwagwalada following credible intelligence regarding their alleged involvement in fraudulent online activities.
Additionally, the EFCC reported the recovery of 32 mobile phones of various models from the suspects.
The nation’s anti-graft agency has stated that the suspects will face charges in court once the investigations are completed.
‘Why EFCC ‘Rejected’ Yahaya Bello’
In other news, a source claimed that the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, specifically instructed that no official should attend to the embattled former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello when he visited the agency on Wednesday.
The source claimed how Bello came to the EFCC was unacceptable to the commission and a breach of protocol.
According to the source, Bello could skip some normal procedures in the EFCC because he came with a sitting Governor, Usman Ododo of Kogi State, who has immunity.
The EFCC, however, said it can’t be intimidated by anybody or allow itself to be compromised by any political institution.
The anti-graft agency also called out Governor Ododo for the role so far played in the case involving Bello.
“Upon realizing that Bello came with the governor and some dignitaries, the Executive Chairman directed that no official should attend to him.
“His manner of coming to EFCC was a breach of our protocol. No Nigerian, no matter how highly placed, is expected to come for an invitation in a convoy of vehicles and with a sitting governor.
“To the EFCC, he came with grandeur which is contrary to our procedures.
“There are stages of documentation that Bello skipped because he was with the governor, who has immunity.
“The EFCC also did not invite the governor. So, what was the basis for accompanying Bello to our headquarters in Abuja?
“We have not been comfortable with the roles of the governor in this case.
“After fulfilling all documentation procedures, Bello was expected to come with his lawyer(s) and not a governor or Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).
“We cannot be intimidated or subject our system to political pollution.
“This made the Executive Chairman of EFCC to direct that no official should attend to Bello. He must undergo due process like every invitee,” a source told The Nation.
The EFCC also accused the media team of the former Governor of trying to promote propaganda by saying Bello was already in EFCC custody.
“The commission was unhappy with the pre-emptive propaganda in the media by Bello’s team which had created false impressions.
“There was a narration that the ex-governor was already in EFCC’s custody,” the source added.
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