The Lagos State Police Command has successfully uncovered and dismantled an illegal cybercrime training facility, commonly referred to as a “Yahoo School,” operating in the Iju area of Lagos.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest of four key suspects alongside six trainees who were undergoing training in internet fraud.
Among the apprehended trainees was a minor, 12-year-old Minachi Udochukwu, highlighting the disturbing recruitment methods employed by the syndicate.
Hundeyin disclosed that preliminary investigations indicate the suspects lured their trainees from Anambra State and forced them into cybercrime while seizing any illicit earnings generated in the process.
“During the successful operations, 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.
“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.
“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.”
The command has issued a directive for the owner of the illicit facility to surrender himself to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). Hundeyin assured the public that all suspects would face prosecution once investigations are completed.
Additionally, authorities have ensured that Udochukwu receives medical care after discovering signs of injury, allegedly inflicted to coerce him into cybercrime.
“In line with due process of the law, the underage suspect among them, Minachi Ugochukwu, 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 stated.
The police further cautioned parents and guardians to remain vigilant over their children’s activities to prevent them from being exploited or lured into illegal enterprises.
Moreover, the command urged members of the public who may have fallen victim to this cyber fraud network to present their complaints at the SCID, Yaba.
“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 CP Jimoh 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,” the statement added.
