By Idahosa Musa
No fewer than 31 suspected criminal syndicates have been busted by troops of the Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade, during a raid on a building in the First Bank Estate, Awesome Garden, along the Benin-Sapele Bypass, Benin, Edo State.
The well carried out operation, which took place on Monday, was led by the Brigade Commander, Brig-Gen Ebenezer Oduyebo.
The 4 brigade’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Capt. Chinonso Oteh, who made the disclosure through a statement on Tuesday, said that the operation was carried out following credible intelligence on the activities of the suspected fraud syndicates operating from the location.
He said the suspects were allegedly involving in cybercrime, kidnapping, robbery, and other criminal activities.
According to him, items recovered from the scene include a Toyota vehicle, smartphones, laptops, cash, fetish materials, and a pot of shrine believed to be used for ritual purposes.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that some of the suspects had been lured into the compound by one Mr. Marvin Osabunye, who is currently on the run, under the false promise of employment opportunities.
“Many of them ended up trapped in the building for one to two years without freedom of movement,” Capt. Oteh said.
The bridge’s spokesperson confirmed that the suspects and victims, along with all recovered items, had been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Benin Directorate Office, for further investigation and prosecution.
He said Brig-Gen. Oduyebo commended the troops and collaborating security agencies for the successful operation.
“This is a significant breakthrough and part of our ongoing efforts to rid Edo State of all forms of criminality,” he said.
Comment here
You must be logged in to post a comment.