…..As Hoteliers Query Rating Of Edo, Delta High In Internet Fraud
Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed that 20 out of the 94 suspected internet fraudsters arrested during raid in the various hotels in Benin City have been released.
The chairman, Business and Hoteliers Stakeholders Forum (BHSF), Edo State chapter, Chief John Omogiade Edokpolo, disclosed this shortly after a close door meeting with the leadership of the anti-graft agency, Edo State Command and the hoteliers in the state.
Recall that the BHSF had earlier accused the EFCC of storming their various hotels, arresting 94 of their customers for alleged internet frauds.
They said that the manner and ways they invade their hotels, did not only send fears into the minds of the innocent customers but paint their hotels in a bad light, an act that has made them suffer losses running into several billions of naira.
Chief Edokpolo said while they are commending the EFCC for releasing the 20 out of the 94 suspected arrested, said that they should shun the idea of plea bargain and take the suspects to court and ensure that the innocent are not being punished for offense they knew nothing about.
Edokpolo, while also reacting to the alleged claim by the anti-graft agency that Edo and Delta states top the charts in internet frauds across the country, said that, that narrative is wrong as it is meant to paint the states, especially Edo State in a bad light.
He said the youths in Edo State are very hardworking and creative adding that, most of them are into skit making, TikTok and YouTubers.
The BHSF chairman, while commending the outcome of the meeting, maintained that both parties have agreed to work together to get the state rid of crimes.
Responding, the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewole, confirmed that 19 of the suspects have been released while 75 others would be charged to Court.
“We are not saying that Edo and Delta State top internet fraud but the rate of internet fraud is prevalent in those locations. We are not locations specific but fraud specific”.
He urges the hoteliers to always check the back ground of their customer before giving them space