The Lagos State Police Command has successfully uncovered and dismantled an illegal internet fraud training facility, commonly referred to as a “Yahoo School,” operating in the Iju area of Lagos State.
The Command spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, said that during the successful operations, the Police detectives arrested four Yahoo experts who were running the notorious school, namely Chibuike Ihejika, 23; Stanley Ihejika, 22; Obiora Oyediba, 26; and Emmanuel Oyedibe, 25.
Hundeyin added: “The other six suspects are their criminal trainees, all of whom were undergoing training in cybercrime and fraud; Okorie Henry, Otoh Chisom, 20; Okeke Kwufrochikwu, 26; Uchenna Obeji, 26; Minachi Udochukwu, 12; and Chinedu Ukachukwu, 23.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the principal suspects of the facility recruited their trainees from Anambra State, and engaged them to commit internet fraud and other related crimes.
“The proceeds from their fraudulent activities were being confiscated by the principal suspects. All suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, for further discreet investigation and prosecution. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the sponsors who financed the trainees’ enrollment in the school as well as the owner of the facility where these criminal and illegal activities took place.
“The owner of the facility is hereby warned in his interest to turn himself in immediately at the SCID Panti from wherever he is hiding.”
According to Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police Command will ensure that all suspects are charged to court for prosecution upon the conclusion of the investigation into the case.
He also said that in line with due process of the law, the underage suspect among them, Minachi Ugochukwu, 12 years old, with healing marks of injuries on his body allegedly inflicted on him by the main principal suspect to compel him into the commission of the criminal acts, is being given medical attention and kept in protective custody till his relatives are identified and reunited with him.
Hundeyin stated: “Consequently, parents and guardians are hereby strongly advised to monitor the activities of their children and wards to prevent them from being exploited, lured, or compelled into falling into criminal activities.
“Furthermore, any members of the public who have fallen victim to the fraudulent activities of this criminal syndicate are encouraged to come forward to the SCID, Yaba, with their complaints.
“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, also commends the police personnel involved in this operation for their dedication and professionalism that resulted in this success.
“The CP Jimoh assures all Lagosians that the Command remains resolute and committed to combating all forms of crimes and criminalities, including cybercrime tagged “Yahoo,” etc.
“He urges residents to report every suspicious activity or incident to the Police in their localities for prompt police action.”
