NIGERIAN ARMY ARRESTS 31 SUSPECTS FOR ALLEGED CYBERCRIME, KIDNAPPING, ROBBERY IN EDO

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At least 31 suspected criminals have been apprehended by troops of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Benin.

The operation was carried out at a property located in First Bank Estate, Awesome Garden, along the Benin-Sapele Bypass.

Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Ebenezer Oduyebo, who led the operation on Monday, said the raid was based on credible intelligence about the activities of a known fraud syndicate operating from the premises.

According to a statement by the brigade’s Public Relations Officer, Captain Chinonso Oteh, the suspects are believed to be involved in various crimes, including cyber fraud, kidnapping, robbery, and related offenses.

Recovered items from the location include a Toyota vehicle, multiple smartphones, laptops, cash, ritual items, and a pot believed to be part of a shrine used for suspected spiritual practices.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that some of the suspects had been lured into the compound by one Mr Marvin Osabunye, who is currently on the run, under the false promise of employment opportunities.

“Many of them ended up trapped in the building for one to two years without freedom of movement,” he said.

Oteh, however, added that the suspects and victims, along with all recovered items, had been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Benin Directorate Office, for further investigation and prosecution.

He said Brig-Gen. Oduyebo commended the troops and collaborating security agencies for the successful operation.

“This is a significant breakthrough and part of our ongoing efforts to rid Edo State of all forms of criminality,” he added.