By Grace Udoh
Nineteen Undergraduates of Akwa Ibom State University, Mkpat-Enin, were on Friday, April 28, 2023, arrested by operatives of the Uyo Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for suspected internet- related offences.
They were arrested at their private hostels: Obong Abasi Lodge and Mfon Obong Lodge both located at Ikot Akpadem in Mkpat-Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Their arrest followed several months of surveillance on their suspected involvement in romance scam, fraudulent crypto currency transactions and impersonation.
Items recovered from them include, several laptops and mobile phones.
They will be charged to court as soon as Investigations are concluded.
In the last three years alone, the EFCC has conducted several raids on student-inhabited areas.
It has also partnered with several branches of the NANS to fight university-related crimes and corruption.
Statista reports that 1,700 Nigerian males and 337 females were arrested in 2019 alone for advance fee fraud.
It said about 878 males and 73 females were arrested for cybercrime.
Overall, males represented the vast majority of individuals arrested for financial and economic crimes.
Credit:EFCC
