The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed that Nigerian singer Afeez Fashola, better known as Naira Marley was arrested in relation to cyber crimes and advanced fee fraud.
The acting EFCC spokesperson, Tony Orilade, in an interview with the Punch, said, “Yes, he is with us. He’s not the only person; he had some other persons also arrested alongside (him).
“They were arrested in relation to advance fee fraud — Internet-related cases and all of that. Give me a little time and I will get you the details.”
According to report, the fast-rising singer was arrested in Lagos on Friday, May 10, which happened to be his birthday.
Marley had said that internet fraudsters (Yahoo boys) help Nigeria’s economy, adding that they were carrying our revenge for the slave trade in the past after Simi publicly told those in the act not to buy her music.
The singer, who said this in an Instagram Live video last week, added that the political class had looted the country and thus the economy would have collapsed if not for “Yahoo Boys” who make money “go round” in Nigeria.
He said: “All you guys, all the money in your pockets, all the money you spend, you think it’s the government that is making the money go round?” he asked.
“You better sit down and pray for yahoo boys. If them stop yahoo, the money would not pass you guys
“The money will go like this, from Obasanjo to Tinubu, from Tinubu to Mr Japa, you think me I need Yahoo?
“I make money from my music.”
Days later, he teamed up with Zlatan Ibile to release a banging single ”Am I a yahoo boy”.
The EFCC last year launched Operation Cyber Storm which sought to curb the activities of Internet fraudsters. Over 150 suspects have been reportedly arrested across the country.