The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested 19 individuals for allegedly engaging in internet fraud in Benin City, Edo State, on Saturday.

As indicated in a statement posted on the agency’s X handle on Monday, the arrests were carried out by operatives of the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate, who acted on reliable intelligence that pinpointed the suspects’ involvement in fraudulent online activities.

The intelligence reportedly linked the group to schemes designed to deceive victims through illicit internet operations.

Details of the alleged crimes have yet to be disclosed.

During the operation, authorities seized significant items from the suspects, including five exotic cars and multiple smartphones.

The statement read, “Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday, April 12, 2025, arrested 19 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations within Benin City, Edo State.

“The suspects were arrested based on credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities.

“Items recovered from them included five exotic cars and smartphones.”

The EFCC has also assured the public that the suspects will face legal consequences as soon as investigations are complete.

“They would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” EFCC assured.

This latest crackdown follows a series of similar operations by the EFCC in Edo State and beyond, reflecting the agency’s intensified focus on tackling internet fraud, commonly referred to as “yahoo-yahoo” in Nigeria.

PUNCH

The Presidency on Sunday, reacted to the United States, US, District Court of Columbia ordering the Federal Bureau of Intelligence, FBI, to reveal President Bola Tinubu’s information.

Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga said there was nothing new to reveal about the case.

Onanuga said reports by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA have been in the public space for more than 30 years.

Reacting to questions from journalists, Onanuga said the reports did not indict the Nigerian leader.

DAILY POST reported that Judge Beryl Howell gave the order on Tuesday.

The development followed a motion by Aaron Greenspan, an American who is seeking a reconsideration of an earlier ruling.

Howell said protecting the information from public disclosure is “neither logical nor plausible.”

Greenspan had accused the FBI of violating the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA, by failing to release within the statutory time “documents relating to purported federal investigations into” Tinubu and one Abiodun Agbele.

Tinubu was claimed to have forfeited $460,000 to the American government in 1993 after authorities linked the funds to proceeds of narcotics trafficking.

Reacting, Onanuga posted on X: “Journalists have sought the Presidency’s reaction to the ruling last Tuesday by a Washington DC judge ordering the US FBI and DEA to release reports connected with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Our response is as follows:

“There is nothing new to be revealed. The report by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA report have been in the public space for more than 30 years.

“The reports did not indict the Nigerian leader. The lawyers are examining the ruling.”

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has advised Alejandro Garnacho to consider leaving Old Trafford, should it facilitate Victor Osimhen’s arrival from Napoli in a potential exchange.

Manchester United are reportedly eager to secure the services of a top-class striker during the upcoming summer transfer window. The club has been strongly linked with Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli.

Napoli had expressed interest in Garnacho during the January transfer window but saw their offer rejected by United.

Speaking on his podcast, Ferdinand suggested that this could be an opportune moment for Garnacho to make the move to Napoli, thereby enabling Osimhen’s transfer to Manchester United.

“I would want him to play on the left wing at Napoli, with Osimhen coming the other way,” Ferdinand stated.

“Because Garnacho—if we didn’t have Amorim as the manager and instead had a coach who played with traditional wingers—I wouldn’t consider selling him. I like him. I love him.

“But if I’m Manchester United, Victor Osimhen must arrive at the club next season. I would make it happen. And the caveat is, if I were advising Garnacho, I’d tell him to go to Napoli.”