The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has said that the commission has carried out hundreds of arrests of suspected internet fraudsters, popularly known as ‘Yahoo Boys’ in the past two months.
Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Sunday Politics’ on Sunday night, Olukoyede explained that the arrests were carried out as part of the commission’s renewed institutional reforms aimed at professionalism and due process in its operations.
He said EFCC operatives no longer arrest individuals arbitrarily, stressing that every operation is backed by intelligence, surveillance, and the law.
According to him, many suspected cybercriminals do not operate openly during the day and are often found in hotels or short-let apartments rather than their homes, making professionally planned operations necessary.
Olukoyede added that Nigerians should expect a more disciplined and legally backed approach from the EFCC in 2026, noting that any arrest carried out by the commission would be done within the ambit of the law.
He defended the use of force during operations when necessary, stating that EFCC officers are empowered by law to execute arrests, including forced entry where required, similar to practices by international agencies such as the FBI and the UK’s National Crime Agency.
The EFCC chairman also disclosed that the commission works closely with foreign law enforcement agencies, adding that international partners have continued to commend EFCC’s professionalism.
He appealed to Nigerians to support the commission, acknowledging that while no institution is perfect, the EFCC’s efforts were in the interest of the country’s fight against corruption and cybercrime.
