The Lagos State Police Command has successfully uncovered and dismantled an illegal internet fraud training facility, commonly known as a “Yahoo School,” operating in the Iju area of Lagos State.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, it was confirmed that during the operation, police detectives arrested four individuals believed to be the masterminds behind the fraudulent training scheme.
The suspects were identified as Chibuike Ihejika (23), Stanley Ihejika (22), Obiora Oyediba (26), and Emmanuel Oyediba (25).
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Additionally, six trainees undergoing cybercrime and fraud training at the facility were apprehended. The arrested trainees include Okorie Henry, Otoh Chisom (20), Okeke Kwufrochikwu (26), Uchenna Obeji (26), Minachi Udochukwu (12), and Chinedu Ukachukwu (23).
According to preliminary investigations, the principal suspects allegedly recruited their trainees from Anambra State and engaged them in internet fraud and other related crimes. The proceeds from these fraudulent activities were reportedly confiscated by the masterminds.
All the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, for further investigation and prosecution.
The police have also launched efforts to track down the sponsors who financed the training, as well as the owner of the facility. The police have warned the owner of the premises to surrender himself to authorities at SCID Panti.
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CSP Hundeyin reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Police Command to ensure that all suspects are duly prosecuted.
He also revealed that the 12-year-old suspect, Minachi Udochukwu, who had visible injury marks allegedly inflicted by the principal suspect to compel him into criminal acts, is receiving medical attention and is in protective custody until his relatives are identified and reunited with him.
The police spokesperson urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and monitor their children’s activities to prevent them from falling victim to exploitation and criminal influences.