Kemisola Oye
THE Lagos State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled an illegal internet fraud training facility commonly referred to as a “Yahoo School,” operating in the Iju area of the state.
During the successful operations, Police detectives arrested four (4) 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 (6) suspects are their criminal trainees, all of whom were undergoing training in cybercrime and fraud and they include 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. While 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 possible 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 police have equally warmed the owner of the facility in his/her interest to turn himself/herself in immediately at the SCID Panti from wherever he/she is hiding.
The Lagos State Police Command says it will ensure that all suspects are charged in court for prosecution upon the conclusion of investigation into the case.
In line with due process of the law, the underage suspect among them, namely 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.
Consequently, Police authority advised parents and guardians to monitor the activities of their children and wards to prevent them from being exploited, lured or compelled into falling into criminal activities.
Furthermore, it urged that 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 commended the police personnel involved in this operation for their dedication and professionalism which resulted in the successful operation.
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.
Eighteen-Eleven Media