Lagos: EFCC arrests over 20 suspects during Lekki apartment raid

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested more than 20 suspects following a raid on a short-let apartment complex in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, as part of ongoing efforts to investigate and curb suspected financial crimes.

A senior EFCC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly on the matter, confirmed the operation, stating that investigations were still ongoing.

The intelligence-driven operation was carried out in the early hours of Monday, July 27, at Mariton Apartments, Plot 30, QMB Road, Ikate, Lekki.

According to the official, EFCC operatives moved in following credible intelligence and apprehended several individuals whose identities have not been disclosed pending the conclusion of investigations.

“The operation was intelligence-driven. Yes, a number of suspects were arrested and investigations are continuing. We are profiling those arrested and examining items recovered during the operation. Further details will be made public at the appropriate time,” the source said.

Sources familiar with the development revealed that EFCC officers searched several apartments within the facility, questioned occupants and recovered items believed to be relevant to the investigation before taking more than 20 suspects into custody.

The anti-graft agency has yet to disclose the identities of those arrested or reveal the specific offences being investigated.

Meanwhile, some residents alleged that certain apartments within the complex may have been used for internet-related crimes and other illegal activities. However, the allegations have not been independently verified, and the EFCC has not officially linked any suspect, apartment owner or resident to any criminal offence.

The raid has attracted attention among residents and business operators in the Lekki community, with some describing it as one of the major anti-graft operations carried out in the area in recent months.

Some residents and operators around the neighbourhood also noted a decline in activity at the apartment complex following the operation, which they said had previously recorded high occupancy.

Sources added that investigators are currently examining recovered materials and conducting background checks on those arrested to establish whether there is sufficient evidence for possible prosecution.