The Federal High Court in Lagos has issued an interim forfeiture order on a large number of items seized during a sweeping anti-fraud operation that saw the arrest of hundreds of suspects, including 193 foreign nationals. The order affects over 70 categories of assets believed to have been used in criminal activities.
The seizure followed a raid conducted on December 10, 2024, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), codenamed “Eagle Flush Operation.” The operation targeted an alleged international cybercrime syndicate with ties to cryptocurrency investment scams, romance fraud, and money laundering.
According to EFCC counsel Bima Isah, intelligence reports had exposed a complex fraud network operating out of Lagos. This led operatives to storm a building known as Big Leaf on Victoria Island. There, they arrested 792 suspects — 193 foreigners and 599 Nigerians — and confiscated thousands of electronic devices and other items suspected to be tools of online fraud.
Items seized during the raid include 1,596 laptops and desktop computers, 4,091 mobile phones, 3,399 SIM cards, and 194 internet routers. Additionally, the court order covers unusual confiscations such as 501 bunk beds, 754 mattresses, 205 sofas, and various kitchen appliances. Authorities also impounded seven vehicles and several electricity supply units including generators and inverters.
The EFCC claimed the criminal group operated under the company name Genting International Co. Limited, which reportedly financed fraudulent activities linked to Chinese and Filipino nationals. Some suspects have already appeared in court, facing charges before multiple judges of the Federal High Court.
In a sworn affidavit, EFCC investigator Kaina Garba said the suspects were running a “well-organised” scam network that trained young Nigerians in romance and investment fraud. The syndicate allegedly assigned customized phones and computers to recruits, who were then trained in scripted scam techniques.
The EFCC stated that the temporary forfeiture was necessary to prevent suspects or their proxies from tampering with or selling off the assets. The court was told that the group’s leaders remain at large but are actively being pursued by the Commission.
Justice Deinde Dipeolu, after reviewing the application brought under Section 44(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, granted the interim forfeiture. He also directed that the order be published in a national newspaper, inviting any interested party to appear in court within 14 days to contest the forfeiture.
