Fraudsters Disguise as Religious Figures for Spiritual Protection – EFCC Arrests 127 at Ondo Party

In an attempt to evade law enforcement, internet fraudsters, commonly known as ‘Yahoo boys,’ have increasingly turned to spiritual protection and disguise, posing as religious figures such as alfas and pastors. This revelation comes after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested 127 suspects at a party in Ondo.

Acting on a tip-off, EFCC operatives stormed an estate in the Lugbe area, causing widespread panic. Among those affected was Marcel, a 26-year-old fraudster from Imo State. As the EFCC officers raided his neighbor’s apartment, Marcel quickly hid his phone, which contained incriminating evidence, in the toilet’s connecting pipe.

“I decided to dip the phone in the toilet bowl and shove it in the connecting pipe,” Marcel recounted. His mother, a devout Pentecostal, regularly prays for his protection, which he believes helped him avoid arrest.

The EFCC, however, managed to arrest several other suspects in the raid, illustrating the widespread nature of the fraud network. These fraudsters employ various tactics to conceal their identities, such as living modest lifestyles or adopting the appearances of religious figures.

One fraudster, Olalekan, dresses as a Muslim cleric to avoid suspicion. Another, identified as Isaiah, poses as a doctor with a lab coat and ID card to mask his fraudulent activities. Others, like Charles in Abuja, use government jobs or business ventures as fronts.

The EFCC has been relentless in its crackdown on these activities. In recent operations, they have raided hotels, event centers, and residential areas, seizing vehicles, gadgets, and other assets linked to cybercrime. The agency’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede, highlighted the significant financial losses caused by these frauds, with over $500 million stolen in 2022 alone.

Fraudsters also seek spiritual protection through various rites performed by family members or religious clerics. Some even form virtual groups where parents strategize and pray for their children’s safety. Despite these efforts, many still fall prey to EFCC’s vigilance.

As these fraudsters continue to innovate their methods, the EFCC remains committed to dismantling their networks and bringing them to justice.