The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has discovered a cybercrime training center in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, and arrested 23 individuals connected to the illegal activity.
The agency shared the update through its official X (formerly Twitter) account, confirming that 8 of those arrested were trainees learning how to commit internet fraud, while 15 others were already involved in the crimes.
According to the EFCC, the arrested trainees include names like Toona Henry, Tavershima Solomon, Chi Orseer James, and others. The full list features young men believed to be in the early stages of learning internet fraud at the so-called “Yahoo-Yahoo Hustle Kingdom.”
“The trainees were arrested at the training centre located at Doofco Palace building, behind Government College Umuahia, on credible intelligence, while others were arrested at Umudike, Ahiaeke, and Umugu, all in Umuahia, Abia State,” the commission stated.
The EFCC recovered two vehicles, 15 laptops, and 34 mobile phones during the operation. Authorities stated that the suspects would soon face prosecution in court.
This arrest adds to a list of recent operations targeting similar cybercrime centers across Nigeria. The EFCC says it is intensifying efforts to crack down on these illegal training hubs that are fast becoming popular among Nigerian youths.
In June 2024, a similar raid happened in Ekpoma, Edo State, where the EFCC’s Benin office arrested 13 individuals. Among them was a man described as a “mentor” who was allegedly training young boys on how to carry out online scams.
In another case from April 2024, the EFCC shut down a cybercrime base in Ilorin, Kwara State. That location doubled as a classroom and fraud base, and 16 suspects were arrested there.
Back in July 2023, the Ibadan Zonal Office also uncovered an illegal training site in Osogbo, Osun State, arresting 22 people. The EFCC described that incident as troubling and warned of the rising danger of criminal mentorship.
The EFCC has raised concerns about how internet fraud is being glorified among Nigerian youth. These “Yahoo Academies” are often run by experienced fraudsters who not only teach scam techniques but also influence their trainees to justify criminal behavior.
