The Lagos State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against cybercrime with the apprehension of ten suspects linked to an illegal internet fraud training facility, colloquially known as a 'Yahoo School.' The operation, conducted in the Iju area of Lagos, targeted a hub where individuals were allegedly being groomed in the illicit arts of online scams and fraudulent activities.

According to a statement released by the Lagos Police Command, the raid led to the arrest of four individuals identified as the principal instructors or 'Yahoo experts.' These individuals, Chibuike Ihejika, 23; Stanley Ihejika, 22; Obiora Oyediba, 26; and Emmanuel Oyedibe, 25, are accused of running the clandestine training center. Alongside them, six trainees were also taken into custody. The trainees were identified as Okorie Henry, Otoh Chisom, 20; Okeke Kwufrochikwu, 26; Uchenna Obeji, 26; Minachi Udochukwu, 12; and Chinedu Ukachukwu, 23.

Chief Superintendent of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police Command spokesman, revealed that preliminary investigations suggest a disturbing pattern of recruitment. The principal suspects purportedly lured their trainees from Anambra State, engaging them in various forms of internet fraud and cybercrimes. A particularly troubling aspect of the case is the alleged confiscation of the proceeds from these fraudulent activities by the principal suspects, indicating a potential exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

The arrested individuals have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yaba, where they will face further investigation and subsequent prosecution. The police are actively pursuing leads to uncover the sponsors who financed the trainees' enrollment in the illicit school, as well as the owner of the facility where these criminal activities were taking place.

In a stern warning, the police have urged the owner of the facility to turn themselves in immediately at the SCID Panti. The Lagos State Police Command has vowed to ensure that all suspects are brought before the court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

The case has also brought to light the plight of the youngest suspect, Minachi Ugochukwu, 12, who bears healing marks of injuries allegedly inflicted upon him by the main principal suspect. These alleged acts were purportedly aimed at compelling him to participate in criminal activities. Minachi is currently receiving medical attention and is under protective custody until his relatives can be identified and reunited with him.

The police are using this opportunity to strongly advise parents and guardians to closely monitor the activities of their children and wards to prevent them from being exploited, lured, or forced into criminal activities. Victims of the syndicate are encouraged to come forward with their complaints to the SCID, Yaba.

Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Olohundare Jimoh, commended the police personnel involved in the operation for their dedication and professionalism. He reassured the public of the command's commitment to combating crimes, including cybercrime, and urged residents to report any suspicious activity to the police.