An illegal internet fraud training institute (Yahoo School) has been discovered and demolished by the Lagos State Police Command in the Iju area of Lagos State.
According to a statement released by the Comamand spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, four main suspect were apprehended with six apprentice.
Hundeyin also reported that an underaged boy named Minachi Udochukwu was among the apprentice.
Hundeyin noted that the initial investigations carrried out disclosed that the main suspects hired the apprentices from Anambra state, involving them in criminal fraud and seizing their salaries.
Hundeyin, the Command’s spokesperson said, “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.
“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, engaged them to commit internet fraud and other related crimes.
“The proceeds from their fraudulent activities were being confiscated by the principal suspects.”
The command also advised the owner of the institute to surrender himself in at the State Criminal Investigation Department. It also ascertained that all suspects would be prosecuted in the court when the investigation is concluded.
Hundeyin further stated 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.
“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 action.”
