By Nkechi Eze
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has issued a public alert over what it described as a growing trend of criminal elements impersonating its officers to carry out fraudulent activities and tarnish the agency’s image.
In a statement made available by the Commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, it was disclosed that intelligence reports indicate the emergence of various schemes by impostors aimed at deceiving unsuspecting Nigerians.
According to the statement, one of such tactics involves a gang of fraudsters operating around popular eateries and recreational spots in major cities, where they ambush young individuals, falsely accuse them of internet fraud, and dispossess them of their valuables. The suspects reportedly wear fake EFCC uniforms and sometimes transport victims to locations designed to resemble official EFCC offices.
The Commission also revealed the activities of another group targeting motorists by exploiting vehicle number plate information. These criminals, often armed, allegedly intimidate victims with fabricated accusations and extort money from them.
In addition, the EFCC warned about online impersonators and content creators staging fake sting operations, including dramatized scenes of forced entry into premises, which misrepresent the Commission’s standard procedures and risk misleading the public.
The anti-graft agency urged Nigerians to exercise caution and critically assess such claims, emphasizing that it operates under established standard procedures and has official channels for lodging complaints against its personnel or operations.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to combating economic and financial crimes while cautioning that the activities of impersonators and fraudsters should not undermine public confidence in its work.
