A 28-year-old man from Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State has voluntarily turned himself in to the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), expressing his intention to abandon cybercrime and embrace a new path.
According to a statement released by the EFCC on Friday, the suspect—whose identity has been withheld—walked into the Commission’s Benin City office and surrendered to the Acting Zonal Director, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I), Effam Okim.
The Commission revealed that the individual was involved in romance scams, a form of cybercrime where fraudsters impersonate foreign nationals online to deceive victims into fake romantic relationships.
“I tell my victims I’m from China and work as a medical doctor in a war-torn country,” the suspect confessed during interrogation. “They are foreigners, and I lure them into online relationships by professing love and complimenting their appearance.
I use a mobile translation app to communicate in Chinese.”
He stated that his decision to come forward was driven by fear and a genuine desire for personal reform.
“I reported myself because I want to stop and start a new life,” he said.
The EFCC commended the suspect’s voluntary surrender, describing it as a rare but commendable act, highlighting growing public awareness of the consequences of cybercrime and the agency’s continuous efforts to combat it.
“The suspect is currently in custody and will undergo further profiling.
Appropriate measures will be taken in accordance with the Commission’s procedures,” the statement noted.
The Commission also used the opportunity to encourage others involved in cyber fraud to follow this example and seek redemption.
“This case represents a significant example of self-accountability and suggests that some young individuals are beginning to realise the dangers and futility of internet fraud,” the EFCC added.
The suspect has since submitted a written statement and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.