The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended 25 students of Bayero University Kano (BUK) over alleged involvement in internet fraud, following a sting operation carried out on Monday in Kano State.
The anti-graft agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, confirming that all the suspects are undergraduates of the university.
According to Oyewale, the suspects were picked up opposite the university’s new site after weeks of surveillance based on credible intelligence.
“The arrest followed actionable intelligence linking the students to suspected cybercrime activities. All suspects apprehended are confirmed to be undergraduate students of BUK,” he said.
The EFCC said the operation led to the recovery of various digital devices and a vehicle believed to have been used in carrying out fraudulent activities.
“Items recovered during the operation include mobile phones, laptops, internet routers, and one Honda Accord car,” Oyewale stated.
He added that the arrests were made possible through discreet surveillance efforts aimed at curbing the rising trend of internet-related fraud and financial scams among young Nigerians.
The EFCC noted that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects would be charged to court as soon as inquiries are concluded.
“The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” the statement read.
The commission reiterated its commitment to combating cybercrime and warned students and young people against indulging in fraudulent online schemes.