The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered and closed an illegal internet fraud training center, known as a “Yahoo School,” in the Iju area of Lagos State.
According to the police spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, officers raided the center and arrested four individuals running the operation. The suspects, identified as Chibuike Ihejika (23), Stanley Ihejika (22), Obiora Oyediba (26), and Emmanuel Oyediba (25), were teaching cybercrime techniques to trainees.
Six trainees were also arrested during the operation. They are Okorie Henry, Otoh Chisom (20), Okeke Kwufrochikwu (26), Uchenna Obeji (26), Minachi Udochukwu (12), and Chinedu Ukachukwu (23).
‘’Preliminary investigations revealed that the principal suspects of the facility recruited their trainees from Anambra State, engaged them to commit internet fraud and other related crimes. The proceeds from their fraudulent activities were being confiscated by the principal suspects.
All suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, for further discreet investigation and prosecution. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the sponsors who financed the trainees’ enrollment in the school as well as the owner of the facility where these criminal and illegal activities took place. The owner of the facility is hereby warned in his own interest to turn himself in immediately at the SCID Panti from wherever he is hiding.
The police confirmed that all suspects would be charged in court once investigations are completed. Meanwhile, the 12-year-old trainee, Minachi Udochukwu, who showed signs of physical abuse reportedly inflicted by the main suspect, is receiving medical care. He is currently in protective custody until his family is found and he can be reunited with them.
CSP Hundeyin urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s activities to prevent them from being lured into criminal activities.
The Lagos Police Command continues to crack down on cybercrime and ensure that those involved face justice.
