Akure arrests: EFCC debunks allegation of dehumanisation of suspects
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied the alleged dehumanisation of suspected internet fraudsters arrested in different locations in Akure, Ondo State, during sting operations by the Ibadan Zonal Command of the commission at the weekend.
The Head of Media and Publicity, EFCC, Mr Dele Oyewale, in a statement titled: “EFCC’s Akure Arrests Setting the Records Straight,” said the Standard Operating Procedure of the EFCC never tolerated the use of brute force or unprofessional conduct in the course of any operation by the commission.
Recall that the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the EFCC had, on Saturday, June 8, 2024, arrested about 127 suspected internet fraudsters in Ondo State.
The anti-graft body had, on Sunday, expressed disgust at trending allegations, especially on social media, about brutalisation, including a trending video of two ladies showing bodies lacerated by whips.
The EFCC spokesperson also disclosed that no damage was done to the CCTV facility at the scene of the arrest.
He added that the device was removed by a staffer of the club at the instance of operatives of the Commission to preserve the footage for further analysis of the role of each of the arrested suspects in the alleged crime.
Oyewale said: “Arising from the misinformation and distortion of facts about the arrest of 127 suspected internet fraudsters by operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday, June 8, 2024, it becomes imperative to present the facts of the operation.”
He added: “The Operatives executed a classical sting operation at two Clubs simultaneously in Akure based on credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of the suspected fraudsters. The operation, in line with the established ground norm for such engagement, was devoid of any incident as the Operatives conducted themselves professionally.”
“It was therefore shocking to be confronted with narratives, particularly from the social media about brutalisation, including a trending video of two ladies showing bodies lacerated by whips.”
The Commission, however, urged the public to disregard the video as it may have been stage-managed to achieve unclear motives.
Oyewale also said that the Commission would subject the video to forensic analysis to establish its falsehood and prepare a case against purveyors of the distasteful stunt.
The statement further said: “The Commission wishes to state that no suspect was assaulted, brutalised or subjected to any dehumanising treatment during the Saturday operation. It is also false that tear gas was fired at the crime scene.
“Those familiar with the Commission’s operations know that EFCC personnel do not use tear gas during sting operations. The officers that carried out the arrests neither came to the scene of the crime with a canister of tear gas nor whips, to inflict bodily injuries on suspects.
“It is also important to state that no damage was done to the CCTV facility at the scene of the arrest. The device was removed by a staff of the Club at the instance of operatives of the Commission to preserve the footage for further analysis of the role of each of the arrested suspects in the alleged crime.
“Specifically, one of the arrested suspects, the manager of the Club, who confessed to the crime and directed the removal of the CCTV device for further investigative works by the Commission, is in the custody of the EFCC with the CCTV.
“He is assisting in the investigation of the crime. It is needful to state, for the umpteenth time, that the Standard Operating Procedure of the EFCC forecloses the use of brute force or unprofessional conduct in the course of any operation. The EFCC is a civilized law enforcement agency with optimal respect for human dignity and the rule of law”.
While noting that profiling of suspects arrested at the scene of the crime had been completed, he said that the suspects would be prosecuted accordingly.
