Nigeria: Family Accuses EFCC of Spreading Falsehood Against Suspected Member of 792 Internet Fraud Syndicate

The family of Audu Friday has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of spreading false information. They claim this is part of a character assassination against him. Mr. Friday is an alleged kingpin in an internet fraud syndicate with 792 suspects arrested in December.

Salifu Oguche, a family representative, criticized the EFCC during a press briefing. He stated that the agency circulated Mr. Friday's mugshot to prejudice his trial.

Mr. Friday's mugshot, dated January 30, 2025, showed he was under investigation for fraud and money laundering. Oguche said the EFCC has spread lies to sway public opinion against Mr. Friday before his trial.

He also claimed that the EFCC inaccurately stated Mr. Friday was arrested on December 10, 2024. Instead, he voluntarily went to their office on January 28 after multiple invitations.

The family challenged the EFCC to prove their claims about his arrest date. They noted that Mr. Friday received calls from the commission on December 17 and 22 inviting him to their office.

Oguche emphasized that they needed to speak out due to ongoing falsehoods by the EFCC. He mentioned that Mr. Friday has been held for over 100 days without resolution.

In December 2024, the EFCC arrested a large group of suspects involved in cybercrime, including Nigerians and foreign nationals.

The agency is prosecuting these individuals in batches before different judges in Lagos. In March, Mr. Friday was arraigned with two Chinese nationals but was later re-arrested after being granted bail.

He faces serious charges related to cyber-terrorism and money laundering totaling N3.47 billion and $2 million. Earlier this month, he faced seven counts of fraud at another court in Ikeja.

Both HURIWA and Mr. Friday's family described his situation as persecution by the EFCC. They believe the agency is using his name to create a negative image of him as a "kingpin."

When contacted for comment, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said any complaints should be addressed in court. He stated that since the case is sub judice, they cannot comment further on it at this time.