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Detectives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), Ibadan zonal office, on Wednesday got a dose of ‘corruption fighting back’, when suspected internet criminals unleashed a dangerous dog on them to prevent their arrest.
After receiving intelligence reports, the operatives of the commission launched a preliminary investigation into their alleged illegal activities. The detectives had stormed the suspects’ hideout at Agara area of Ibadan in the early hours of Wednesday, May 15 to search the building but instead of allowing the detectives in after proper introduction, one of the suspects instructed the guard to release the dog to attack the men.
The purpose was however defeated as the detectives were able to dislodge the dangerous dog and carry out extensive search on the apartment before arresting the suspects.
According to the anti-graft agency, one of the suspects smashed his android phone with the intention to destroy the gadget and deny the commission access to the data therein.
The broken phone has however been deposited with the forensic unit for proper analysis of the recovered data.
The deputy zonal head of the commission, Bright Igeleke, who led the operation, described the experience as part of the “hazards of the job.”
Those arrested are Paul Afolabi, Balogun Ibrahim Adebayo, Izu Ibobo Chukwunalu, Abe Tolulope, Onifade Gideon Idowu, Komolafe Tosin and Igwe Kingsley Otu.
Similarly, operatives from the zone earlier in the week arrested four other suspects over their alleged involvement in cybercrime related offences.
The suspects are Adebisi Adewale Michael, Olowolayemo Olakunle Qudus, Opaaje Oluwatobi Isaiah and Itowe Kelvin Olutayo .
They are all being interrogated and are giving useful information, EFCC said.
The suspects were said to be in the act of defrauding unsuspecting victims while posing online as white ladies and foreign military officers.
During their arrest, a Lexus car, iphones, other brands of phones and international passports were recovered from them.