……Wants Edo EFCC boss transferred
By Simeon OSAJIE
A group under the platform of the Business and Hoteliers Stakeholders Forum (BHSF) in Edo State on Wednesday 1st October, 2026, expressed their grievances against the Benin Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over what they called illegal arrest of youths, raiding businesses without warrants, and extorting money, leading to business closures and youth emigration in the state.
Speaking to journalists at a press conference in Benin, the state capital, chairman of the forum, Omogiade Edokpolor, raised the concern, alleging that the EFCC’s recent operations have caused panic among guests and driven customers to neighbouring states.
According to him, while the Forum supports the EFCC’s efforts to combat cybercrime, its members are alarmed by the manner in which operatives allegedly raid hotels without search warrants or prior notification to management.
“We are not against the EFCC doing their job. But when they storm our facilities without warrants, it causes panic among innocent guests. If the EFCC intends to make arrests on our premises, they should come with a warrant and carry the management along. We are willing to cooperate,” Edokpolor said.
Going further, the Forum alleged that 93 suspected internet fraudsters were arrested on Sunday during coordinated raids across several hotels in the state and have since been denied access to their lawyers.
He claimed the frequent operations have forced many customers to take their businesses to nearby states, leading to billions of naira in losses for the hospitality industry.
The Forum further called on the EFCC National leadership to transfer the current Edo Zonal Commander, accusing him of conducting “illegal crackdowns” on young people without legal backing.
“Business owners are among the most law-abiding citizens in this state. We are ready to partner with the EFCC to ensure that genuine operations are done lawfully,” Edokpolor added.
A recent update from the EFCC confirmed that 92 suspected internet fraudsters were arrested during a sting operation on Monday, September 29, 2025, at various locations within Benin, the state capital.
Reacting to the allegations, the commission spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said that the EFCC carries out its operations within the ambit of the law and has not run contrary to it.
He said the association is not in position to tell them how they are to carry out their operations adding that before they carry out their operations, thorough investigations are usually done.
On the transferring of the zonal Commander of the commission, Oyewale said the association has no power to call for his transfer.