EFCC arrests TikToker over false claims on alleged abduction of operatives

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a social media user, Udoma David Ekeh, over what it described as the dissemination of false information about the agency and its officials.

In a statement, the anti-graft agency said Mr Ekeh used his TikTok platform in December 2025 to claim that operatives of its Ilorin Zonal Directorate were abducted by bandits while on official duty in Kwara State.

According to the EFCC, the suspect further alleged that the supposed kidnappers demanded a ransom from the commission before releasing the officers.

The agency, however, dismissed the claims as entirely false.

“He alerted the public that some operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Commission were kidnapped by bandits while on an assignment in a location in Kwara State. He also insinuated that the bandits demanded huge ransom from the EFCC before releasing the purported officers. All his claims are fabricated,” the commission said.

It added that the content shared by the suspect was intended to mislead the public and undermine the commission’s operations.

The EFCC said Mr Ekeh used his TikTok account “to incite and misinform the public about the Commission’s relentless efforts in tackling the menace of internet fraud.”

Further investigations by the agency reportedly uncovered alleged involvement by the suspect in online fraud-related activities.

“Preliminary investigations showed that the suspect is involved in romance scam by using his Facebook account to impersonate a foreigner with the name Garg Carta,” the statement added.

The commission said the suspect would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

“He will be charged to court soon,” the EFCC stated.

Background

The EFCC, established in 2003, is Nigeria’s leading agency tasked with investigating and prosecuting economic and financial crimes, including internet fraud, popularly known as “yahoo-yahoo.”

In recent years, the commission has intensified its crackdown on cybercrime, with multiple arrests and convictions recorded across its zonal commands. The Ilorin Zonal Directorate, referenced in the false claims, covers Kwara and parts of neighbouring states and has been active in operations targeting internet fraud syndicates.

The agency has also repeatedly warned against the spread of misinformation, noting that false reports—particularly on social media—can undermine public trust, disrupt ongoing investigations and create unnecessary panic.

Authorities have increasingly turned their attention to digital platforms where unverified claims can spread rapidly, often complicating security and law enforcement efforts.

The arrest of Mr Ekeh underscores the EFCC’s dual focus on tackling financial crimes and addressing the misuse of online platforms to spread false or misleading information about its activities.