By Nkechi Eze
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will on Friday, August 15, 2025, arraign 23 suspected internet fraudsters before Justice D. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, following their arrest at a hotel within the precincts of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta.
The arraignment is the first batch in a series of prosecutions arising from the arrest of 93 suspects during a sting operation at the facility. According to the EFCC, the suspects were apprehended while attending a pool party allegedly organised to celebrate their illicit exploits.
In an official statement signed by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the Commission disclosed that upon profiling, almost all those arrested were indicted for alleged offences bordering on impersonation, identity theft, and internet fraud.
The EFCC revealed that the party was initially scheduled to take place at two other locations but was shifted to the OOPL hotel, allegedly in a bid to evade possible arrest. Intelligence suggested that the organisers believed the venue would offer them some form of protection from law enforcement. However, the EFCC clarified that the former President’s facility was never a target of its operation, emphasising that the focus was solely on the suspects, who have since confessed to engaging in internet crimes.
The Commission added that the arraignment of the remaining suspects will follow in due course as investigations progress.
