Investigators of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, made a significant breakthrough on Wednesday, as they apprehended sixty-four suspected internet fraudsters in Osun State.

The crackdown targeted Ede, Osun State, where the suspects were allegedly engaging in various fraudulent activities.

According to Dele Oyewale, the Head of Media & Publicity for the EFCC, the arrests followed actionable intelligence gathered by the agency.

Among the items seized during the operation were 18 exotic vehicles, 18 laptops, 112 mobile phones, three PlayStation games, five motorcycles, and a trove of incriminating documents.

These seizures underscore the scale and sophistication of the suspected cybercriminals’ operations.

The EFCC stated that the suspects will face legal proceedings once investigations are concluded.

Nigerian Police authorities have released Daniel Ojukwu, the detained journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ).

Ojukwu, who went missing with his phone numbers switched off and whereabouts unknown to colleagues until it was found out he was detained by the police, regained his freedom on Friday.

“Daniel Ojukwu, the FIJ reporter who was abducted by men of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Inspector-General of Police, has regained freedom after 10 days in police captivity,” the FIJ wrote on its website about Ojukwu’s release.

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“Ojukwu went missing on Wednesday, May 1, his numbers switched off and his whereabouts unknown to colleagues, family and friends.”

He was detained for purportedly infringing upon the country’s Cybercrime Act, widely condemned as a means of censorship.

The journalist’s apprehension and subsequent relocation to Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, came after his coverage of suspected financial mismanagement totaling over N147 million ($104,600) implicating a senior government official, as reported by his employer.

A banner is displayed during a protest at the Force Headquarters in Abuja demanding the release of Daniel Ojukwu on May 9, 2024, Thursday. Credit: @BukkyShonibare

Following his arrest, friends, colleagues, and supporters rallied behind Ojukwu, demanding his release.

I On Thursday, a coalition of media and civil society groups staged a protest at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, condemning his prolonged detention.

Addressing journalists, spokesperson Bukky Shonibare expressed concern over the escalating attacks on press freedom and the stifling of dissenting voices.

She emphasised that after nine days in detention, during which Ojukwu was allegedly arrested on the orders of the inspector general of police, the authorities were obligated to either press charges or release him unconditionally.

Upon Ojokwu’s release, an elated Bukky expressed gratitude on her social media handle, thanking Nigerians for their unwavering support.

“Daniel Ojukwu is free. Thank you, Nigerians,” she shared. “Thank you, everyone.”

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has stood firm on ensuring accountability in the case involving former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who faces allegations of fraud amounting to ₦80 billion by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

On April 23, the court-mandated the EFCC to serve Bello with the money laundering charges via his legal representative.

Justice Nwite emphasised the necessity for Bello’s presence in court, invoking Section 396 (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, which mandates defendants to appear before filing any process.

Highlighting Bello’s disregard for previous court orders, Justice Nwite declared that no application from him would be entertained until he appeared in court.

Nwite added that even in the face of an allegedly illegal arrest warrant, Bello’s absence was deemed unacceptable.

Bello’s legal team, represented by Abdulwahab Mohammed, disclosed his intention to halt further proceedings until the Court of Appeal resolves a related case.

Mohammed pointed out that the appellate court had scheduled a hearing for May 20, underscoring the importance of awaiting its decision before proceeding.