EFCC Arrests 17 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Kwara Raid
May 14, 2025 | By Tunde Oyekola
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended 17 suspected internet fraudsters during coordinated sting operations in Ilorin and the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to a statement released Tuesday night by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity for the Commission, the arrests were carried out by operatives from the Ilorin Zonal Directorate on May 13, 2025. The suspects were picked up in the Asa Dam, Al-Hikmah University, and Gaa-Odota areas of Ilorin, as well as in Ganmo and Amoyo within Ifelodun LGA.
“The arrests followed credible intelligence linking the suspects to fraudulent online activities. Items recovered include three luxury cars, high-end smartphones, and laptops,” the EFCC said.
This latest operation comes just a week after 47 other suspects were arrested in a similar sweep in the same region, underlining the EFCC’s sustained efforts to curb cybercrime in Kwara State.
The Commission revealed that all 17 suspects will be formally charged in court upon conclusion of ongoing investigations.
Between March and October 2024, the Ilorin Zonal Office arrested 103 suspected internet fraudsters, including a high-profile March raid in Lokoja, Kogi State, which netted 48 suspects and a herbalist.
In October 2024, EFCC operatives also uncovered a major cybercrime hideout in Offa, leading to the arrest of 55 suspected “Yahoo boys.”
The Ilorin Zonal Directorate oversees anti-corruption efforts in Kwara, Kogi, and Ekiti states, with its headquarters located in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
