By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel
The Lagos State Police Command has shut down an illegal cybercrime training facility, commonly known as a ‘Yahoo School,’ in the Iju area of Lagos.
Ten suspects, including four alleged fraud trainers and six trainees, were apprehended during the operation. Police spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the arrests, stating that the facility was used to train individuals in internet fraud.
The arrested trainers include Chibuike Ihejika (23), Stanley Ihejika (22), Obiora Oyediba (26), and Emmanuel Oyedibe (25), who were reportedly running the operation.
Additionally, six trainees—Okorie Henry, Otoh Chisom (20), Okeke Kwufrochikwu (26), Uchenna Obeji (26), Minachi Udochukwu (12), and Chinedu Ukachukwu (23)—were caught undergoing training at the facility.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the trainers recruited most of their trainees from Anambra State, luring them into cybercrime and other illicit activities. The fraudulent proceeds from these activities were allegedly seized by the trainers.
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“All the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, for further discreet investigation and prosecution,” Hundeyin stated.
The police are actively pursuing the sponsors who financed the trainees’ enrollment, as well as the owner of the property where the illegal activities were conducted. Authorities have urged the facility’s owner to surrender immediately at SCID, Panti, warning of imminent legal action if they fail to comply.
A particularly disturbing aspect of the case involves 12-year-old Minachi Udochukwu, who was reportedly subjected to physical abuse by the primary suspect to coerce him into cybercrime.
Police confirmed that the child is receiving medical care and will remain in protective custody until he is reunited with his family.
Lagos Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh commended the officers involved for their dedication and professionalism. He reassured residents of the command’s commitment to tackling all forms of crime, including cyber fraud.
The police also urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s activities to prevent their involvement in criminal enterprises. Furthermore, they called on members of the public who may have fallen victim to the syndicate’s fraudulent activities to report their cases at SCID, Yaba, for necessary action.
