The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled an illegal internet fraud training center, commonly referred to as a “Yahoo School,” in the Iju area of the state.
The Command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday, revealing that four principal suspects were arrested alongside six trainees.
“During the successful operation, the police detectives arrested four Yahoo experts who were running the notorious school, namely Chibuike Ihejika, 23; Stanley Ihejika, 22; Obiora Oyediba, 26; and Emmanuel Oyedibe, 25,” Hundeyin said.
He further disclosed that six trainees were found undergoing training in cyber fraud. “The other six suspects are their criminal trainees, all of whom were undergoing training in cybercrime and fraud: Okorie Henry, Otoh Chisom, 20; Okeke Kwufrochikwu, 26; Uchenna Obeji, 26; Minachi Udochukwu, 12; and Chinedu Ukachukwu, 23.”
Hundeyin revealed that investigations showed the principal suspects recruited their trainees from Anambra State and compelled them into internet fraud while confiscating their earnings.
“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,” he said.
The police also issued a stern warning to the owner of the illegal facility, urging him to report himself at the State Criminal Investigation Department. “We are calling on the owner of this facility to turn himself in at the SCID immediately,” Hundeyin stated, adding that all suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Among the rescued individuals was a 12-year-old boy, Minachi Udochukwu, who was found with healing injuries believed to have been inflicted on him during the training.
“In line with due process of the law, the underage suspect among them, Minachi Udochukwu, 12 years old, with healing marks of injuries on his body allegedly inflicted on him by the main principal suspect to compel him into the commission of the criminal acts, is being given medical attention and kept in protective custody till his relatives are identified and reunited with him,” Hundeyin explained.
The police further urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s activities to prevent them from being lured into criminal activities.
“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, also commends the police personnel involved in this operation for their dedication and professionalism that resulted in this success,” the statement read.
Jimoh reassured Lagos residents of the command’s commitment to fighting cybercrime and other forms of criminality, urging the public to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement. “The CP assures all Lagosians that the Command remains resolute and committed to combating all forms of crimes and criminalities, including cybercrime tagged ‘Yahoo’ etc. He urges residents to report every suspicious activity or incident to the police in their localities for prompt action,” Hundeyin concluded.
