The Lagos Police Command has confirmed the arrest of four internet fraud experts and six criminal trainees at an illegal cybercrime training facility, commonly referred to as a “Yahoo School,” in the Iju area of the State.
Lagos Police spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the police successfully dismantled the fraudulent training center.
“During the successful operations, police detectives arrested four Yahoo experts, Chibuike Ihejika, 23; Stanley Ihejika, 22; Obiora Oyediba, 26; and Emmanuel Oyedibe, 25, who were running the notorious school,” Hundeyin stated.
He further stated six individuals were undergoing cybercrime training at the facility.
The trainees include Okorie Henry, Otoh Chisom, 20; Okeke Kwufrochikwu, 26; Uchenna Obeji, 26; Minachi Udochukwu, 12; and Chinedu Ukachukwu, 23.
According to preliminary investigations, the principal suspects recruited their trainees from Anambra State, engaging them in internet fraud and other illicit activities.
The proceeds from these fraudulent operations were reportedly confiscated by the trainers.
“All the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, for further discreet investigation and prosecution,” Hundeyin added.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the sponsors who financed the trainees’ enrollment in the school, as well as the owner of the facility where the illegal activities took place.
“The owner of the facility is hereby warned to turn himself in immediately at SCID, Panti, from wherever he is hiding. The Lagos State Police Command will ensure that all suspects are charged to court for prosecution upon the conclusion of the investigation,” Hundeyin stated.
One of the arrested individuals, 12-year-old Minachi Udochukwu, was reportedly subjected to physical abuse, allegedly inflicted by the principal suspect to force him into criminal activities.
The police confirmed that Udochukwu is receiving medical attention and remains in protective custody until his relatives are identified and reunited with him.
In response to the development, Lagos Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and dedication.
He reassured Lagosians of the command’s commitment to combating all forms of crime, including cyber fraud.
The police urged parents and guardians to monitor the activities of their children to prevent them from falling into criminal activities.
He, however, called on members of the public who have fallen victim to the fraudulent activities of the criminal syndicate to come forward to the SCID, Yaba, with their complaints.