Lagos, Nigeria – The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled an illegal internet fraud training facility, commonly referred to as a “Yahoo School,” in the Iju area of the state. The operation led to the arrest of four principal suspects and six trainees, including a 12-year-old boy.
Benjamin Hundeyin, the spokesperson for the command, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday, revealing that the facility was used to train young individuals in cybercrime.
According to the police, the four principal suspects were running the school, recruiting trainees from Anambra State and compelling them to engage in internet fraud while confiscating their illicit earnings.
“During the successful operation, 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 stated.
The police also apprehended six criminal trainees undergoing cybercrime instruction: Okorie Henry, Otoh Chisom, 20; Okeke Kwufrochikwu, 26; Uchenna Obeji, 26; Minachi Udochukwu, 12; and Chinedu Ukachukwu, 23. Investigations revealed that the school’s operators not only trained their recruits but also forced them to remit all fraudulent proceeds to them.
Authorities expressed particular concern over the case of the underage suspect, 12-year-old Minachi Udochukwu, who reportedly bore healing injury marks inflicted on him during training.
The police suspect he was coerced into participating in cybercrime. The boy has since been placed in protective custody and is receiving medical attention, while efforts are underway to locate his relatives for a safe reunion.
“The underage suspect, with visible marks of injuries allegedly inflicted by the main principal suspect to force him into committing the criminal acts, is being given medical care and remains in protective custody until his relatives are identified and reunited with him,” Hundeyin added.
The Lagos State Police Command has issued a stern warning to the owner of the facility, urging him to turn himself in at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). The command also assured that all arrested suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Authorities have advised parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and wards to prevent them from falling prey to criminal syndicates exploiting vulnerable youth for illicit activities.
The police have also called on members of the public who may have fallen victim to the fraudulent activities of the group to come forward with their complaints at the SCID in Yaba.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, commended the officers involved in the operation for their dedication and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling cybercrime and other criminal activities in the state, urging residents to report any suspicious activities in their localities for prompt action.
“The Lagos State Command remains resolute in combating all forms of crimes and criminalities, including cyber fraud. We encourage residents to report any suspicious activities to the police to ensure swift and decisive action,” Jimoh emphasized.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
