By Karen James
In a groundbreaking operation, the operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have apprehended three suspected fraudsters for impersonating Evangelist Chukwuebuka Obi of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach on various social media platforms. This scamming gang was nabbed for duping innocent members of the public in their deceitful pursuit.
According to an official statement released on Friday by the EFCC, the individuals identified as Odion Victor, Amos Godwin, and Ayomide Michael were arrested following substantial intelligence that unveiled their malicious activities. These fraudsters had ingeniously cloned the social media accounts of Evangelist Ebuka Obi, taking advantage of his unsuspecting church members and their a away.
Exploiting the trust and devotion of religious individuals, the fraudsters lured their victims into contributing funds towards the treatment of fictitious ill individuals, sowing seeds for spiritual blessings, or requesting special prayers. The money, unfortunately, found its way into the bank accounts of these unscrupulous individuals, who were well-versed in the art of deception.
The EFCC has been at the forefront of exposing and tackling cybercrime, clamping down on individuals who attempt to exploit innocent people for financial gain. Through extensive investigation and intelligence-gathering, the agency was successful in apprehending these fraudsters who operated under the facade of religious assistance.
The arrests of Odion Victor, Amos Godwin, and Ayomide Michael serve as a stern warning to others engaged in fraudulent activities. The EFCC has advised the public to be cautious when engaging with social media accounts purporting to belong to religious leaders or organizations. They have urged individuals to exercise due diligence and verify the authenticity of any claims made before providing financial assistance or personal information.
While praising the diligence and commitment of the EFCC operatives, the agency has assured the public that it will continue to pursue and bring to book those who engage in such criminal activities, safeguarding the interests of innocent citizens.
As the fight against cybercrime persists, the EFCC reiterates its commitment to exposing and apprehending fraudsters and seeks the cooperation of the public in its quest to purge society of this menace.
