The Lagos State Police Command has successfully located and shut down an unlawful internet fraud training center, commonly known as a “Yahoo School,” situated in the Iju area of Lagos State.
According to a statement from the command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the operation resulted in the arrest of four individuals identified as the main operators of the school: Chibuike Ihejika (23), Stanley Ihejika (22), Obiora Oyediba (26), and Emmanuel Oyediba (25).
In addition, six trainees were apprehended, all of whom were reportedly receiving instruction in cybercrime and fraud. These individuals include Okorie Henry, Otoh Chisom (20), Okeke Kwufrochikwu (26), Uchenna Obeji (26), Minachi Udochukwu (12), and Chinedu Ukachukwu (23).
Initial investigations indicate that the primary suspects recruited their trainees from Anambra State, engaging them in internet fraud and related criminal activities. The proceeds from these illicit operations were allegedly confiscated by the main suspects.
All detained individuals have been forwarded to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yaba for further thorough investigations and prosecution. Authorities are actively working to identify and apprehend the sponsors who funded the trainees’ enrollment and the owner of the facility where these illegal activities took place. The property owner is strongly urged to surrender to the SCID Panti immediately.
Hundeyin emphasized that the Lagos State Police Command will ensure that all suspects face prosecution in court following the conclusion of the investigations.
He also noted that Minachi Ugochukwu, the 12-year-old suspect with visible injuries allegedly inflicted by one of the primary suspects to coerce him into criminal acts, is currently receiving medical care and is being kept in protective custody until his family can be located and reunited with him.
Hundeyin urged parents and guardians to closely monitor the activities of their children and wards to prevent them from being exploited or drawn into criminal endeavors.
