Momoh Umar Momoh, Benin
The 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army has arrested 31 suspects for alleged cybercrime, kidnapping, robbery, and other criminal activities in Edo State.
The Public Relations Officer of the Brigade, Captain Chinonso Oteh, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin City on Tuesday.
Oteh said the suspects were arrested during a raid on a hideout in a building in First Bank Estate, Awesome Garden, along the Benin-Sapele Bypass, Benin.
According to him, the operation was led by the Brigade Commander, Brig-Gen Ebenezer Oduyebo, on Monday, following credible intelligence on the activities of a notorious fraud syndicate operating from the location.
Oteh listed items recovered from the scene to include a Toyota vehicle, smartphones, laptops, cash, fetish materials, and a pot of shrine believed to be used for ritual purposes.
“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.
