By Isah Onukaba, Senior Writer, TKT Writersroom.
The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled an internet fraud training facility, commonly known as a “Yahoo School,” operating in the Iju area of the state.
Confirming the operation in a statement on Tuesday, the Command’s Spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that four cybercrime trainers and six trainees were apprehended during the raid.
“Police detectives successfully arrested four key suspects, aged 22, 23, 25, and 26, who were running the illegal training center,” Hundeyin stated.
“The remaining six suspects, aged between 12 and 26, were trainees undergoing instruction in internet fraud and other cybercriminal activities. Preliminary investigations revealed that the facility’s operators recruited their trainees from Anambra and coerced them into committing fraudulent acts, with all proceeds being confiscated by their trainers,” he added.
All suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, for further investigation and prosecution, while efforts are underway to apprehend other accomplices, including the financial sponsors and the owner of the facility.
“The owner of the facility is advised to turn himself in immediately at SCID, Yaba, before the police track him down,” Hundeyin warned.
He also noted that the 12-year-old suspect, who was found with healing wounds reportedly inflicted by the principal suspects as punishment for non-compliance, is receiving medical care and remains in protective custody until his relatives are identified.
Hundeyin urged parents and guardians to monitor their children’s activities to prevent them from being lured into criminal enterprises. He also called on victims of the fraudulent syndicate to report to SCID, Yaba, with their complaints.
Commending the officers involved in the operation, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling cybercrime and other forms of criminality.
“The CP assures Lagos residents that the command remains resolute in combating cyber fraud and urges the public to report any suspicious activities for prompt action,” Hundeyin concluded.
