Men of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibadan Zonal Office, were on Wednesday attacked by dogs unleashed on them by suspected internet criminals.
It was gathered that the incident happened when the operatives raided the hideout of the suspects at the Agara area of Ibadan.
On receipt of intelligence report and launch of preliminary investigation into their alleged illegal activities, officers of the commission reportedly stormed the suspects’ hideout. However, instead of allowing them in after introduction, one of the suspects reportedly instructed the guard to release dogs to attack the operatives.
The operatives were, however, able to overpower the dogs, carry out extensive search on the apartment and effect arrest of the suspects. The second-in-command to the zonal head, Bright Igeleke, who led the operation, described the experience as part of the “hazards of the job”. Suspects arrested in the operation were Paul Afolabi, Balogun Ibrahim Adebayo, Izu Ibobo Chukwunalu, Abe Tolulope, Onifade Gidion Idowu, Komolafe Tosin and Igwe Kinsley Otuu.
Similarly, operatives from the zone earlier in the week arrested four other suspects over their alleged involvement in cyber-related offences.
The suspects: Adebisi Adewale Michael and Olowolayemo Olakunle Quddus, Opaaje Oluwatobi Isiah and Itowe Kelvin Olutayo, were said to be giving useful information to the operatives in the quest to unravel the extent of their illegal activities.
At the point of their arrest, a Lexus car, iphones, other brands of phones and international passports were recovered from them.
Igeleke said all the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigation was concluded.