The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has indicted 19 suspects following a raid on Applewood Estate along Orchid Road, Lekki, Lagos State, over alleged cybercrime and fraud.

The operation was conducted at about 5 a.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026, by operatives of the commission’s Lagos Directorate 1.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the EFCC said 21 people were arrested during the operation, while five exotic cars were recovered. Following preliminary investigations, 19 suspects were implicated, while the remaining two were released.

According to the commission, the suspects allegedly obtained money from unsuspecting victims through gift cards, cryptocurrency transactions and international money transfers while impersonating other individuals.

The EFCC said the operation followed surveillance and reconnaissance of the suspects’ alleged activities before the raid was carried out.

The commission added that the 19 suspects would be arraigned in court following the preliminary investigations.

The allegations against the suspects have not been established by a court.

The raid attracted public attention after videos of the operation circulated on social media, prompting questions about the conduct of the operatives.

The EFCC addressed the case of a young woman who allegedly attempted to alert the suspects by making telephone calls during the operation.

The commission said the woman was held and her phone confiscated until the operation ended, after which the device was returned to her.

It maintained that the operation was conducted professionally and denied allegations of harassment, intimidation or unlawful arrests.

An eyewitness separately alleged that EFCC operatives had raided properties along Orchid Road six times in the preceding two months, claiming that vehicles, laptops and phones were taken and men found at the locations were arrested.

The allegation has not been independently verified, and the commission’s statement did not address the claims of repeated raids.

The EFCC urged Nigerians to support its efforts against economic and financial crimes, while maintaining that it remained open to constructive engagement with the public.

The commission said the 19 indicted suspects would be taken to court as investigations and legal proceedings continue.

The case comes amid ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to tackle cybercrime, identity theft and other forms of financial fraud.