The High Court in Lagos has ordered the interim forfeiture of 1,596 computers and laptops, 4,091 mobile phones, seven vehicles, and around 70 other assets seized during the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) high-profile “Eagle Flush Operation.”
These items were recovered from 792 individuals—193 foreign nationals and 599 Nigerians—arrested on December 10, 2024, in a surprise raid at the Big Leaf Building, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The suspects were allegedly involved in cryptocurrency scams, computer-related fraud, money laundering, and romance scams.
Several individuals have already been charged before at least five High Court judges, alongside Genting International, a company linked to suspected fraudulent activities involving Chinese and Filipino nationals.
While moving the ex parte application for interim forfeiture, EFCC counsel Bima Isah told the court that the commission acted on intelligence indicating a large-scale fraud operation orchestrated by foreign nationals.
The EFCC alleged the syndicate funded its operations through Genting International Co. Limited and that the confiscated assets are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Relying on Section 44(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act of 2006, Justice Deinde Dipeolu granted the interim forfeiture order and directed that it be published in a national newspaper.
The publication invites any interested parties to appear in court within 14 days to show cause why the items should not be permanently forfeited to the Nigerian government.
Assets listed for forfeiture include:
- 3,399 SIM cards (1,122 MTN, 316 9mobile, 1,277 Airtel, 684 Glo)
- 194 routers, 129 air conditioning units, 40 fridges, 14 inverters, 7 generators
- 205 sofas, 501 double bunks, 754 mattresses, 10 microwaves, 2 whiteboards
- 16 inverter batteries, 43 CPUs/monitors, 1 ring light, 2 fuel tanks, 1 transformer
- 411 freezers, 13 electric kettles, 21 UPS units, 1 toaster, 1 air fryer
- 558 office tables, 2 televisions, 1 network server, 6 gas cylinders, 1 blender
- 3 weight scales, 1 spiral dough mixer, 2 double-burner stoves, and 1 dining set.
In an affidavit, EFCC investigator Kaina Garba stated the interim orders were sought to prevent tampering with or dissipation of assets allegedly used in cyber-related crimes by a foreign syndicate.
The affidavit alleged that the syndicate, predominantly Chinese, was recruiting and training Nigerian youths in romance, dating, and investment scams, assigning each trainee a mobile phone and computer system with pre-loaded scripts.
The raid on 7 Oyinjolayemi Street, Victoria Island, uncovered the operation’s suspected headquarters. A total of 761 individuals were detained and are currently under investigation.
The EFCC confirmed that key leaders and financiers of the group remain at large but are actively being pursued. The investigation is ongoing, and further charges may follow.
Justice Dipeolu, in granting the motion, stated, “I have read the motion and attachments and find sufficient merit in the application. Consequently, the motion succeeds and is hereby granted.”
