EFCC denies harassment, intimidation during Lekki estate raid

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims of harassment, intimidation, and unlawful arrests during a raid on Applewood Estate in Lekki, Lagos State. The commission carried out the operation at around 5 am on Monday, October 26, 2026, arresting 21 suspected cybercrime fraudsters. EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, revealed in a statement on Tuesday that the operation targeted fraudsters who defrauded victims via gift cards, cryptocurrencies, and international money transfers while pretending to be other individuals.

Five luxurious cars were recovered during the raid, which was conducted after extensive surveillance and reconnaissance. Of the 21 arrested, 19 were indicted, while two were released. All indicted suspects will face court immediately. According to Oyewale, a woman who attempted to alert the suspects through phone calls during the operation was held and had her phone confiscated until the operation concluded, after which it was returned to her.

The EFCC emphasized that the raid was professional and that no harassment, intimidation, or unlawful arrests occurred. They called for public support in combating economic and financial crimes and warned against blackmail and alarmism undermining their mandate.