In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, the Lagos State Police Command has successfully uncovered and dismantled an illegal internet fraud training facility, commonly known as a "Yahoo School," located in the Iju area of Lagos State. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to tackle the growing threat of internet fraud in Nigeria.
According to a statement from the command's spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, police detectives apprehended four individuals running the fraudulent school: Chibuike Ihejika (23), Stanley Ihejika (22), Obiora Oyediba (26), and Emmanuel Oyediba (25). Alongside them, six trainees were also arrested, all of whom were in the process of learning cybercrime techniques. Notable among the trainees was a 12-year-old named Minachi Udochukwu, highlighting the alarming trend of underage involvement in such illicit activities.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the primary suspects recruited their trainees from Anambra State and trained them to engage in various forms of internet fraud. The proceeds from these illegal activities were reportedly seized by the facilitators, raising serious concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals within the community.
All suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yaba for further investigation and legal action. The police are actively pursuing the sponsors who financed the enrollment of these trainees, as well as the owner of the facility where these criminal activities were conducted. CSP Hundeyin urged the owner to turn himself in promptly to avoid further legal consequences.
In his statement, Hundeyin emphasized that the Lagos State Police Command is committed to ensuring all suspects face prosecution in accordance with the law. He also addressed the concerning case of the young suspect, Minachi Udochukwu, who bore visible marks of injury allegedly inflicted by the principal suspect to coerce him into criminal behavior. This child is currently receiving medical attention and is being kept in protective custody until his family can be located.
The police spokesperson urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and monitor their children's activities, highlighting the critical role of family in preventing young individuals from being lured into criminal enterprises.
This operation is a clear message that the Lagos State Police Command is resolute in its fight against cybercrime, and it aims to protect the vulnerable, particularly minors, from exploitation and criminal activity. The battle against internet fraud is ongoing, and with continued vigilance and community awareness, progress can be made towards a safer environment for all.
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