The Lagos State Police Command has dismantled an illegal internet fraud training center, commonly referred to as a “Yahoo School,” located in the Iju area of Lagos.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed that four primary suspects were arrested along with six trainees, one of whom was a 12-year-old boy, Minachi Udochukwu.
Initial investigations revealed that the suspects had recruited individuals from Anambra State for involvement in internet fraud, with all the proceeds being seized by the trainers.
The detained suspects include Chibuike Ihejika (23), Stanley Ihejika (22), Obiora Oyediba (26), and Emmanuel Oyedibe (25), while the trainees arrested are Okorie Henry, Otoh Chisom (20), Okeke Kwufrochikwu (26), Uchenna Obeji (26), Minachi Udochukwu (12), and Chinedu Ukachukwu (23).
Authorities confirmed that the suspects forced their trainees into cybercrime activities, taking control of their ill-gotten gains. The 12-year-old, Udochukwu, was given medical attention after signs of abuse were discovered on his body, allegedly inflicted by the trainers to coerce him into committing crimes.
He is currently in protective custody while efforts are underway to reunite him with his family.
The police have called on the owner of the facility to turn himself in to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), assuring the public that all suspects will face prosecution once the investigation concludes.
In addition, authorities have urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and monitor their children’s activities to prevent them from being targeted by criminal elements.
They have also invited anyone who may have been defrauded by the criminal network to report to the SCID in Yaba.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, praised the officers involved in the successful operation and reaffirmed the command’s dedication to combating cybercrime.
He also urged residents to report any suspicious activities to the police promptly.
