The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled an internet fraud training facility, commonly known as ‘Yahoo’ school, located in the Iju area.
Spokesman of the state police command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who disclosed this, said the operation led to the arrest of four fraud experts, aged between 22 and 26, along with six trainees, whose ages range from 12 to 26, all involved in cybercrime and fraud activities.
Hundeyin said preliminary investigations, indicated that the main suspects recruited their trainees from Anambra State, with the intent to engage them in internet fraud.
“The proceeds from these criminal activities were reportedly seized by the perpetrators. All suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yaba, for further investigation and prosecution.
“The police are actively working to identify and apprehend additional accomplices, including the sponsors of the trainees and the owner of the facility where these illegal activities occurred,” the police added.
Hundeyin advised the owner(s) of the facility to turn themselves in. He also highlighted that among the suspects is a 12-year-old boy who had visible injuries, allegedly inflicted by the main suspect to coerce him into participating in the crimes.
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“In line with due process of the law, the underage suspect with injuries allegedly inflicted on him by the main principal suspect to compel him into the commission of the criminal acts, is being given medical attention.
“He is kept in protective custody till his relatives are identified and reunited with him,” the spokesperson said.
In light of these events, Hundeyin urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s activities to prevent them from being drawn into such criminal conduct.
He also encouraged victims of the syndicate’s fraudulent activities to approach the SCID, Yaba, with their complaints.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has commended the officers for their professionalism during the operation and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling all forms of crime, including cybercrime.
He urged residents to report any suspicious activities to the police for prompt action.
