UPDATE: Police Dismantle “Yahoo School,” Arrest 10 Suspects

The Lagos State Police Command has successfully dismantled an internet fraud training facility, commonly referred to as a “Yahoo School,” operating in the Iju area of Lagos State. The Command’s Spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the raid, which resulted in the arrest of four Yahoo experts and six trainees.

According to Hundeyin, the four Yahoo experts, aged 22, 23, 25, and 26, were running the notorious school. The six trainees, aged between 12 and 26, were undergoing training in cybercrime and fraud. Preliminary investigations revealed that the principal suspects recruited their trainees from Anambra and engaged them to commit internet fraud and other related crimes.

“The proceeds from their fraudulent activities were being confiscated by the principal suspects,” Hundeyin said. He added that all suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, for further discreet investigation and prosecution.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices, including the sponsors who financed the trainees’ enrollment in the school and the owner of the facility. “The owner of the facility is hereby warned, in his own interest, to turn himself in immediately at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, from wherever he is hiding,” Hundeyin warned.

The command has assured that all suspects will be charged to court for prosecution upon the conclusion of the investigation. A 12-year-old suspect, who had healing marks of injuries on his body, is receiving medical care. “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,” Hundeyin said.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, praised the officers for apprehending the suspects. “CP Jimoh commends the police personnel involved in the operation for their dedication and professionalism that resulted in the success,” Hundeyin said. The CP assured Lagos residents that the command remains committed to combating all forms of crimes and criminalities, including cybercrime.

The Lagos State government has been commended for its efforts in combating cybercrime, with the recent dismantling of the “Yahoo School” being a notable success. Residents of Lagos State have expressed relief and appreciation for the police’s efforts in tackling internet fraud and cybercrime.

The State government has also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its citizens from all forms of crime and criminality. However, it’s worth noting that the Lagos State government has faced criticism in recent times for its handling of other issues, such as the forced evictions of waterfront communities that left over 10,000 residents homeless.

Nonetheless, the police’s success in dismantling the “Yahoo School” is a positive step towards combating cybercrime in the state.