Nigerian Army Unmasks Dual Threat: Cyber Fraud and Ritual Crime Syndicate in Benin

Troops of the 4th Brigade, Nigerian Army, launched a daring raid on a covert criminal stronghold in Benin City, Edo State, unearthing a chilling operation blending internet fraud, ritual practices, and human exploitation. Acting on actionable intelligence, Brigadier General Ebenezer Oduyebo led a tactical assault on a luxury estate along the Benin-Sapele Bypass, dismantling a syndicate accused of preying on victims through deceit, manipulation, and terror.  

Inside the Lair: Victims Held Captive, Fetish Materials Uncovered

The operation, codenamed *“Clean Sweep,”* resulted in the arrest of 31 suspects linked to cybercrime, kidnapping, and ritual activities. Shockingly, victims—lured by false promises of overseas jobs—were discovered trapped in the compound for up to two years, stripped of freedom and coerced into criminal acts. A trove of evidence, including laptops, smartphones, cash, and a cauldron of fetish substances, exposed the syndicate’s macabre blend of technology and occultism.  

Mastermind on the Run: Hunt for “Marvin Osabhuoyen” Intensifies

The alleged ringleader, Marvin Osabhuoyen, remains at large after evading capture. Authorities revealed Osabhuoyen’s sinister modus operandi: recruiting desperate jobseekers via social media, only to imprison and force them into cyber scams, armed robbery, and ritual complicity. Survivors recounted harrowing tales of psychological control, with some enduring starvation and threats to ensure compliance.  

EFCC Takes Over Probe as Army Vows to Crush Criminal Networks

The suspects, now in custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), face charges spanning cybercrime, human trafficking, and murder-related ritual offenses. Brigadier General Oduyebo praised troops for their precision, stating, “This raid sends a clear message: Edo will not tolerate criminal empires. We’re closing in on every accomplice.”  

Survivors’ Ordeal: Trapped in a House of Horrors

Investigations uncovered that victims, drawn from across Nigeria, were confined in windowless rooms, their passports confiscated. One victim disclosed, “We were told we’d work in Dubai, but instead, they forced us to scam foreigners online. Those who resisted… disappeared.” The recovery of ritual paraphernalia has sparked fears of possible homicide-linked practices, with forensic teams now scouring nearby areas for human remains.  

Public Outcry, Calls for Justice

As news of the raid spreads, civil groups and lawmakers are demanding swift prosecution and tighter regulations on luxury estates used as crime hubs. Captain Chinoso Oteh, 4th Brigade spokesperson, urged citizens to report suspicious activities, emphasizing, “This is a victory, but the war continues. No sanctuary for criminals in Edo.”  

The operation marks a critical blow to Nigeria’s underground crime networks, exposing the terrifying intersection of cyber exploitation and ritual violence—and igniting a renewed push to safeguard vulnerable citizens from modern-day slavery.