The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a building in the Iju area of the state being used as a training ground for internet fraud, widely known as a “Yahoo School.”
Four individuals, described as cybercrime experts, were arrested during the operation. The suspects include two siblings—Chibuike Ihejika (23) and Stanley Ihejika (22)—along with Obiora Oyediba (26) and Emmanuel Oyedibe (25).
Additionally, six trainees were apprehended, with their ages ranging from 12 to 26. The names of the trainees are Okorie Henry, Otoh Chisom (20), Okeke Kwufrochikwu (26), Uchenna Obeji (26), Minachi Udochukwu (12), and Chinedu Ukachukwu (23).
Among the trainees, 12-year-old Minachi Udochukwu was found to have sustained injuries, allegedly inflicted by one of the main suspects, in an attempt to force the young trainee into participating in criminal activities.
According to Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hudenyin, initial investigations revealed that the suspects were recruiting young individuals from Anambra State, training them to engage in internet fraud and other related crimes.
The proceeds from these illegal activities were reportedly seized by the suspects.
Hudenyin further stated that all individuals arrested have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yaba for further questioning and legal proceedings.
Efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the sponsors who funded the trainees’ enrollment, as well as the owner of the facility where the criminal activities were carried out.
The police have issued a warning to the facility owner to surrender immediately to avoid further consequences.
Once investigations are completed, all suspects will be formally charged and prosecuted.