The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has discovered a cybercrime training centre in Umuahia, Abia State, known as the “Yahoo-Yahoo Hustle Kingdom.” The operation was carried out by the agency’s Uyo Zonal office on Friday.
According to a statement shared by the commission, 23 individuals were arrested. Among them were eight people believed to be in training, while the remaining fifteen were other suspected internet fraudsters.
The suspected trainees were identified as Toona Henry, Tavershima Solomon, Chi Orseer James, Ubee Benjamin, Gabriel Ibe Ifeanyi, Tindue Godwin, Muhammed Terwase Micheal, and Destiny Andrew.
The others arrested include 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 EFCC said.
The agency also reported that two cars, 15 laptops, and 34 mobile phones were seized during the raid. “The suspects will soon be charged to court,” the statement added.
This operation is part of a broader clampdown on cybercrime and illegal training centres that have become common among Nigerian youths. In recent months, similar raids have been carried out across various states.
In June 2024, EFCC agents in Benin uncovered another cybercrime academy in Ekpoma, Edo State. Thirteen suspects were caught, including someone believed to be their mentor. Officers also recovered laptops, phones, and some ritual items from the scene.
In April 2024, a similar centre operating from a rented apartment in Ilorin, Kwara State, was dismantled. Sixteen people were arrested there. The place was being used both as a training ground and a base for carrying out online fraud.
A year earlier, in July 2023, the EFCC also stormed a cybercrime training spot in Osogbo, Osun State. That raid led to the arrest of 22 suspects. At the time, the agency called the situation “disturbing” and warned that the trend of criminal training was spreading fast.
The EFCC has raised concerns several times about how internet fraud is being glorified among young people in Nigeria. According to the commission, some older fraudsters, also known as “Yahoo bosses,” have started setting up organized academies to teach others how to commit cybercrime. These centres don’t just offer technical skills—they also encourage the mindset that justifies fraud.
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