A violent protest against an EFCC operation in Benin City has left two people with gunshot wounds, including a 40-year-old spare parts dealer identified as Lucky Akoda and an unidentified police officer.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in the Isihor area along the Benin-Lagos Road in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, near the University of Benin.

According to sources familiar with the situation, the protest was triggered by an EFCC raid conducted in the locality on Monday night. Young men, alleged to be internet fraudsters, took to the streets in protest against what they described as harassment by EFCC operatives.

Akoda, who owns a tricycle spare parts shop along the Benin-Ugbowo-Lagos Road, was reportedly hit by a stray bullet while attempting to close his shop and flee from the escalating violence. The police officer was allegedly attacked during the confrontation with protesters.

Both victims were rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for medical attention. However, in a disturbing development, Akoda was reportedly handcuffed and chained to his hospital bed by police officers who appear to have classified him as a suspect in the protest.

Mrs. Benedicta Akoda, the wife of the injured spare parts dealer, expressed shock upon discovering her husband's condition at the hospital. According to sources, she lamented the unfair treatment of her husband, insisting that he was merely a victim caught in the crossfire while conducting his legitimate business.

"The man hit by a stray bullet is now being held on his hospital bed where he is receiving medical attention over a protest he had no knowledge about," said a source who requested anonymity. "His wife, Benedicta, has been pleading with the police and Nigerians to save her husband from dying."

The source emphasized that Akoda is "a good Nigerian doing his legitimate business as a tricycle spare parts dealer in the locality" and is not involved in internet fraud or the protest activities.

As of the time of this report, police authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the incident or the detention of Akoda at the hospital. The condition of the injured police officer also remains unclear.

This incident highlights growing tensions between law enforcement agencies and youth in the area, particularly concerning EFCC operations targeting alleged internet fraudsters.