The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has denied allegations of harassment and unlawful arrests during a raid on Applewood Estate in Lekki, Lagos State.
According to The PUNCH, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale issued the clarification on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, following complaints about the operation.
The commission explained that operatives from its Lagos Directorate 1 raided the estate along Orchid Road at approximately 5 a.m. on Monday.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 21 suspected internet fraudsters and the recovery of five luxury vehicles.
EFCC explains Lekki cybercrime operation
Oyewale maintained that investigators had conducted surveillance before entering the estate.
The commission alleged that the suspects were involved in fraudulent activities targeting victims through gift cards, cryptocurrencies and international money transfers.
Investigators also accused the suspects of impersonating other individuals to obtain money unlawfully.
According to Oyewale, preliminary investigations implicated 19 of the 21 arrested individuals.
The remaining two were released after investigators found insufficient grounds to continue holding them.
EFCC denies harassment allegations
The spokesperson also addressed reports concerning a young woman whose mobile phone was confiscated during the operation.
He alleged that the woman attempted to alert the suspects by making telephone calls while the raid was ongoing.
According to the commission, she was temporarily detained, and her phone was returned after the operation.
“The phone was later released to her,” Oyewale said.
He maintained that the operation recorded “no record of harassment, intimidation or unlawful arrest of anyone”.
The EFCC insisted that its officers acted professionally and followed established procedures.
Commission promises prosecution of suspects
The commission disclosed that the 19 remaining suspects would be arraigned after the necessary investigative procedures.
It also encouraged Nigerians to support legitimate efforts to combat financial crimes.
However, the agency warned against what it described as attempts to undermine investigations through misleading allegations.
The EFCC maintained that it remained open to constructive public engagement and scrutiny.
The suspects have not been convicted, and the commission’s account does not independently resolve the complaints about the raid.
