FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has released 20 out of the 94 suspected internet fraudsters arrested during a raid of various hotels in Benin City.
The Chairman of Business and Hoteliers Stakeholders Forum, BHSF, Edo State branch, Chief John Edokpolo disclosed this shortly after a closed door meeting with the leadership of the anti-graft agency and hoteliers.
AljazirahNigeria recalls that BHSF had earlier accused the EFCC of storming their various hotels and arrested 94 of their customers for alleged internet fraud.
They said the manner that EFCC operatives invade their hotels did not only send fear into the minds of innocent customers, but paint their hotels in a bad light, an act that has made them suffer losses running into several billions of naira.
Chief Edokpolo said they should shun the idea of plea bargain, take the suspects to court and ensure that the innocent are not being punished for offense they know nothing about.
Also reacting to the alleged claim by the anti-graft agency that Edo and Delta States top the chart in internet fraud across the country, Edokpolo said the narrative is wrong, as it was meant to paint the states in a bad light.
He said youths in Edo State are hardworking and creative, adding that most of them are into skit making, TikTok and YouTube.
While commending the outcome of the meeting, the BHSF chairman maintained that both parties have agreed to work together to rid the state of crimes.
Responding, EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewole confirmed that 19 of the suspects have been released, while 75 others would be charged to court.
“We are not saying that Edo and Delta States top internet fraud, but it is prevalent in those locations. We are not location specific, but fraud specific,” Oyewole said.
He urged hoteliers to always check the background of their customers before giving them rooms.
