In a major crackdown on cybercrime operations, Lagos State Police have dismantled what locals call a “Yahoo School” – an illegal training center teaching internet fraud tactics in the Iju area of Lagos.
The raid resulted in the arrest of four alleged cybercrime instructors: 23-year-old Chibuike Ihejika, 22-year-old Stanley Ihejika, 26-year-old Obiora Oyediba, and 25-year-old Emmanuel Oyedibe. Six students enrolled in this illicit training program were also taken into custody.
According to Lagos State Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, the arrested trainees include Okorie Henry, 20-year-old Otoh Chisom, 26-year-old Okeke Kwufrochikwu, 26-year-old Uchenna Obeji, 12-year-old Minachi Udochukwu, and 23-year-old Chinedu Ukachukwu.
The police investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of exploitation. The operators reportedly recruited vulnerable individuals from Anambra State, forced them into committing internet fraud, and then seized the proceeds of their criminal activities.
Most alarming was the discovery of a 12-year-old boy among the trainees. Police found healing wounds on young Minachi Udochukwu’s body, allegedly inflicted by the main suspects to coerce him into criminal activities. The child is now receiving medical care and remains in protective custody until authorities can locate and reunite him with his family.
“The other suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Yaba for further investigation and eventual prosecution,” Hundeyin stated. “We’re still pursuing the facility’s owner and financial backers who funded this operation.”
In a direct warning, police advised the facility owner to surrender immediately at the SCID Panti “from wherever he is hiding.”
Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh praised the officers involved in the operation and urged parents to closely monitor their children’s activities to prevent exploitation. He also encouraged anyone who may have fallen victim to this fraud syndicate to come forward with information.
“The Command remains resolute and committed to combating all forms of crimes and criminalities, including cybercrime tagged ‘yahoo,’” CP Jimoh assured Lagos residents. “We urge everyone to report suspicious activities in their communities for prompt police action.”
This raid represents part of Nigeria’s ongoing battle against cybercrime operations that have damaged the country’s international reputation while exploiting vulnerable youth.
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