EFCC: Why we arrested Naira Marley, Zlatan Ibile

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that it has Naira Marley and Zlatan Ibile, Nigerian singers, in its custody. 

Tony Orilade, EFCC spokesman, confirmed the arrest in a statement to NAN in Abuja on Friday.

Orilade said Marley, Ibile were arrested alongside three others for their alleged involvement in advance fee fraud and internet related offences.

“Yes, he is with us. He is not the only person; he had some other persons also arrested alongside (him),” Orilade said.

“They were arrested in relation to advance fee fraud, Internet-related cases and all of that.”

They were arrested along with: Tiamiu Abdulrahman Kayode, Adewunmi Adeyanju Moses and Abubakar Musa.

“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal office, arrested two fast-rising Nigerian musicians – Afeez Fashola (aka Naira Marley) and Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael (aka Zlatan), in connection with alleged case of internet fraud and money laundering. Intelligence report had also linked them to cybercrime offences,” Orilade said in another statement.

“Their arrest followed an early morning raid on Friday, May 10, 2019 at 9, Gbangbola Street, Ikate, Lekki, Lagos.”

“At the point of arrest, the Commission found and recovered a number of items, including laptops, from the suspects.”

“They have so far volunteered useful information about their involvement in the alleged criminal activities, even as investigations continue.”

Marley has been accused of allegedly advocating the cause of internet fraudsters, especially with the recent release of his single ‘Am I a Yahoo Boy?’

Reacting to his arrest, TG Omori, the videographer who directed the video, said Marley tried to explain in it that he is not an internet fraudster.

The advance fee fraud and other fraud-related offences act 2006 recommend that anyone found culpable “is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not more than 20 years and not less than seven years without the option of a fine.”