A suspected online fraudster's effort to pose as a woman to avoid capture has been thwarted by agents from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's (EFCC) Lagos Zonal Command.

Owoseni Gabriel, one of the suspects, and 32 other people were detained by the agents during a sting operation in the state's Iyana Ipaja region.

Gabriel, 32, allegedly pretended to be a woman by dressing in a female-style outfit, padded bra, and wig.

Wilson Uwujaren, the head of the commission's media and publicity department, confirmed the arrest saying, “Gabriel was arrested alongside Salaudeen Hammed, Akinsanya Olamilekan, Olamofe Joshua, Akindele Saheed, Damilare Micheal, Patoki Ayomiku, Olakunle Ismail, Babalola Ayomide, Afolabi Olaibola, Abiodun Olayinka, Samuel Ogunyemi, Adebayo Olarewaju, Abdul-Fatai Olawale and Hassan Ayofe.

Others are Samson Jeremiah, Kolawole Afeez, Owoseni Gabriel, Makinde Oluwasegun, Daniel Seun, Adefolahan Israel, Olusegun Emmanuel, Olawore Micheal, Hammed Raheem, Micheal Tunde, Francis Chibundu, Jesse Oluwatobiloba, Adenekan Ayotunde, Qudus Adeyi, Sulaimon Oladimeji, Kayode Sunday, Daniel Owosine, and Boluwatife Gbolahan.

“They were arrested on May 2, 2023, at the Iyana Ipaja axis of Lagos State, following credible intelligence received by the Commission on the activities of some young boys involved in computer-related fraud.

“Items recovered from the suspects include a Toyota Camry 2005 model, a Toyota Camry 2009 model, mobile phones and laptop computers. The suspects will be charged to court after investigations have been concluded."