The Benin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday arrested 11 suspected internet fraudsters in Benin City.
The anti-graft agency said that the suspects were arrested at their hideout sequel to information on their alleged criminal activities.
Those arrested are: Osaze Oria, Olayemi James, Princes Emmanuel Dennis, Samuel Uboh, Ellot Igunbor, Ahunwan Nosakhare ,Theopilus Marvis, Oshodi Ufo, Irabor Osarumwense, Ohiaka Oshioke and Lucky Uhunamure.
Items recovered from them include mobile phones, laptops and charms. A bucket of water with cowries, zinc, keys, beads and mutilated naira notes was discovered in one of the suspect’s apartment.
EFCC said that the suspects have made useful statements and will be arraigned in court as soon as investigations are completed.
Muhtar Bello, head Benin Zonal Office has advised property owners to desist from giving out houses to persons with no visible means of livelihood, to avoid becoming victim of the law.
Part 1 Section 3 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. empowers the Commission to prosecute anyone who allows their premises to be used for criminal activities.
“A person who, being the occupier or is concerned in the management of any premises, causes or knowingly permits the premises to be used for any purpose which constitutes an offence under this Act commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not more than 15 years and not less than 5years without the option of a fine” the agency said.