No fewer than 50 suspected Internet fraudsters, including a groom-to-be, were arrested at the weekend by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who raided two-night clubs in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The groom-to-be and his friends who were at one of the night clubs for his bachelor’s eve, were arrested and whisked away by the security operatives.
It was learnt that the two nightclubs raided by the EFCC operatives are situated at the Alagbaka, Government Reservation Area, GRA, in the state capital.
An eyewitness account said that the security personnel stormed the night clubs around 1 am in different marked vehicles and shot sporadically into the air.
Many of those at the nightclubs were reportedly injured as they scampered for safety.
Sources said that many vehicles, laptops, and telephones were confiscated while the CCTV at the clubhouses were removed and taken away by the security operatives.
One of the present at one of the nightclubs raided told newsmen that “They entered the nightclubs and lounges, tear-gassing people, beating them up and arresting them. They don’t care who you are, many people, including security personnel were injured as they shot tear gas canisters inside one of the clubs.
“They also went away with a groom and his friends at a club, he was there for his bash eve, so sad as they profiled everyone as Internet fraudsters.”
Meanwhile, the security operatives has not made any statement on those arrested during the raid.
However, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights and Member representing Ondo East/West Federal Constituency, HonAbiola Makinde has condemned Saturday’s raid on some nightclubs in the state capital.
Makinde, in a statement signed by his media aide, Moshood Alli, described the raid as an invasion of privacy of innocent citizens of Nigeria.
According to him ”The news about the EFCC raid at Signatures Club is quite disturbing.
“I spoke with the Head of the team. He informed me that they have their orders and intelligence reports. I’ll admonish our people to remain calm while this matter is investigated and resolved.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as Nigeria’s premier anti-graft agency, has a critical role in combating financial crimes.
“However, it is imperative that in the pursuit of justice, the EFCC adheres strictly to the principles of human rights.
“Reports of raids leading to violations of personal dignity and privacy, such as the incident involving a former Big Brother Naija housemate, highlights the need for the EFCC to conduct operations with respect for the law and human decency.
“Please note that the agency’s mandate to investigate financial crimes does not exempt it from the obligation to respect human rights, which includes ensuring that raids are conducted legally, with proper warrants, and without undue harm to individuals.
“The concerns raised by various incidents underscore the importance of accountability and the adherence to human rights standards to maintain public trust in law enforcement agencies.
Makinde said that “I’ll activate the State Director of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr Sunday Oyewole, to look into the matter. Any violations will be addressed between the two federal agencies”.
