In a recent operation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested over fifty suspected Internet fraudsters, including a groom-to-be, during raids at two nightclubs in Akure, the capital of Ondo State.
The groom-to-be and his friends, who were celebrating his bachelor’s eve at one of the nightclubs, were among those apprehended by the EFCC operatives.
According to reports, the EFCC raided two nightclubs located in the Alagbaka Government Reservation Area (GRA) of Akure.
Eyewitnesses reported that the security personnel arrived at the nightclubs around 1 am in marked vehicles and fired shots into the air, causing panic. Many patrons were injured as they scrambled for safety.
Sources revealed that several vehicles, laptops, and phones were seized during the raid. Additionally, the CCTV equipment from the nightclubs was also confiscated by the operatives.
EFCC Raids Two Night Clubs In Ondo, Arrests Over 50 Customers During A Bachelor’s Evehttps://t.co/PcJIO9JX2l pic.twitter.com/mILVNHEKz1
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One witness recounted, “They entered the nightclubs and lounges, tear-gassing people, beating them up, and arresting them. They don’t care who you are; many people, including security personnel, were injured as they shot tear gas canisters inside one of the clubs.
“They also took away a groom and his friends who were there for his bachelor’s eve, profiling everyone as Internet fraudsters.”
The EFCC has not yet released a statement regarding the arrests made during the raid.
Meanwhile, Hon. Abiola Makinde, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights and Member representing Ondo East/West Federal Constituency, condemned the raid in a statement issued by his media aide, Moshood Alli. Makinde described the raid as an invasion of the privacy of innocent Nigerian citizens.
Makinde stated, “The news about the EFCC raid at Signatures Club is quite disturbing.
“I spoke with the Head of the team. He informed me that they have their orders and intelligence reports. I’ll admonish our people to remain calm while this matter is investigated and resolved.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as Nigeria’s premier anti-graft agency, has a critical role in combating financial crimes. However, it is imperative that in the pursuit of justice, the EFCC adheres strictly to the principles of human rights.
“Reports of raids leading to violations of personal dignity and privacy, such as the incident involving a former Big Brother Naija housemate, highlight the need for the EFCC to conduct operations with respect for the law and human decency.
“Please note that the agency’s mandate to investigate financial crimes does not exempt it from the obligation to respect human rights, which includes ensuring that raids are conducted legally, with proper warrants, and without undue harm to individuals.
“The concerns raised by various incidents underscore the importance of accountability and the adherence to human rights standards to maintain public trust in law enforcement agencies.
Makinde added, “I’ll activate the State Director of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr. Sunday Oyewole, to look into the matter. Any violations will be addressed between the two federal agencies.”
