The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has claimed that its operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate, on Friday, uncovered a cybercrimes training centre known as ‘yahoo-yahoo Hustle Kingdom’ in Umuahia, Abia State capital.
The anti-graft agency, which made this known in a statement issued on its X (formerly Twitter) said the operatives arrested 23 suspects, including eight suspected trainees undergoing training and fifteen others.
The commission identified the arrested trainees to include Toona Henry, Tavershima Solomon, Chi Orseer James, Ubee Benjamin, Gabriel Ibe Ifeanyi, Tindue Godwin, Muhammed Terwase Micheal, and Destiny Andrew.Others are; Okezie Almond, Precious Osmond, Kenneth Prospect, Iweobi Chika Augustine, Nedolisa Victor, Kanu Austin, Anolu David, Collins Chinedu, Joshua Nnamdi, Ogechi Chibuzor, Michael Chinonso, Prince Chigozie, Festus Nwogu, Michael Lazarus, and Kingsley Ndubuisi.
“The trainees were arrested at the training centre located at Doofco Palace building, behind Government College, Umuahia, on credible intelligence, while others were arrested at Umudike, Ahiaeke, and Umugu, all in Umuahia, Abia State,” the commission stated.
The statement added that the operatives recovered two cars, 15 laptops and 34 mobile phones from the suspects; adding, “The suspects will soon be charged to court.”
The bust in Umuahia added to a growing list of similar raids carried out in recent months as the EFCC says it has intensified its crackdown on cybercrimes and cybercrime training centres, which have become increasingly popular among young Nigerians.
In June 2024, EFCC operatives from the Benin Zonal Command uncovered a similar “Yahoo Academy” in Ekpoma, Edo State, and arrested 13 suspects, including a self-styled mentor who allegedly trained young boys in online scams.
Laptops, mobile phones, and fetish items were also allegedly recovered.
In April 2024, another cybercrime training facility was dismantled in Ilorin, Kwara State, where 16 suspects were apprehended.
The centre, situated in a rented apartment, served as both a training ground and operational base for fraudsters.
Also, in July 2023, the Ibadan Zonal Office of the EFCC busted an illegal cyber training centre in Osogbo, Osun State, where 22 suspects were arrested.
The EFCC, at the time described the development as “disturbing” and warned against the rising trend of criminal mentorship.
The EFCC has repeatedly expressed concern over the glamorization of internet fraud among Nigerian youths, and the emergence of organised “academies” aimed at indoctrinating and training them.
These operations, often run by older fraudsters or “Yahoo bosses,” not only teach technical skills but also reinforce criminal mindsets and justifications.
