EFCC Busts "Yahoo Academy" in Abia State, Arrests 23 Suspects in Major Cybercrime Crackdown

 EFCC Busts "Yahoo Academy" in Abia State, Arrests 23 Suspects in Major Cybercrime Crackdown

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has achieved a significant breakthrough in its fight against internet fraud in Nigeria, announcing the arrest of 23 individuals at a cybercrime training center, popularly known as a "Yahoo academy," in Umuahia, Abia State. This operation underscores the EFCC's intensified efforts to dismantle organized online fraud networks across the country.

Details of the Operation and Arrests:

 

 Date of Operation: Operatives from the EFCC's Uyo Zonal Directorate successfully uncovered the illicit cybercrime training facility on Friday, July 18, 2025.

 

 Location: The "Yahoo academy," identified by the EFCC as "Yahoo-Yahoo Hustle Kingdom," was situated within the Doofco Palace building, located behind Government College Umuahia, in Umuahia, Abia State.

 

 Number and Breakdown of Arrests: A total of 23 suspects were apprehended during the raid. This figure includes eight suspected trainees who were actively undergoing cybercrime instruction at the facility. Additionally, fifteen other individuals were arrested in separate, intelligence-driven operations conducted across various locations within Umuahia, including Umudike, Ahiaeke, and Umugu.

 

 Identified Trainees: The EFCC has released the names of the eight individuals arrested directly at the training center: Toona Henry, Tavershima Solomon, Chi Orseer James, Ubee Benjamin, Gabriel Ibe Ifeanyi, Tindue Godwin, Muhammed Terwase Micheal, and Destiny Andrew.

 

 Other Suspects: The fifteen other individuals apprehended in related operations were identified as 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.

 

 Recovered Exhibits: During the operation, EFCC operatives confiscated crucial items believed to be instruments of their illicit activities. These include two cars, 15 laptops, and 34 mobile phones.

Understanding the Phenomenon of "Yahoo Academies":

 

 Purpose: A "Yahoo academy" (also sometimes referred to as a "Yahoo-Yahoo school") is a covert training facility designed to teach aspiring internet fraudsters the intricacies of cybercrime, with a primary focus on various online scams commonly known as "Yahoo-Yahoo" in Nigeria.

 

Curriculum: These clandestine academies typically provide "lessons" encompassing a range of internet fraud techniques. This often includes:

   

 Social Engineering Tactics: Methods for manipulating and deceiving unsuspecting victims.

   

 Phishing Techniques: Creating fraudulent websites and emails to illicitly obtain sensitive information and login credentials.

   

 Identity Theft: Strategies for acquiring and exploiting personal information for criminal gain.

   

 Dating/Romance Scams: Building deceptive online relationships to extort money from victims.

   

 Basic Hacking Skills: While often rudimentary, some instruction may involve compromising digital accounts.

   

 Money Laundering Techniques: Guidance on how to process and legitimize illicitly acquired funds.

 

 Target Audience: The "students" in these academies are frequently young individuals, including school leavers, who are drawn by the promise of quick wealth, often in a context of high youth unemployment. These operations are typically masterminded and run by older, more experienced fraudsters, known as "Yahoo bosses," who not only impart technical skills but also instill and reinforce a criminal mindset.

 

 Growing National Trend: The EFCC has observed a concerning increase in the prevalence of such cybercrime training centers across various parts of Nigeria, leading to a rise in coordinated raids in states like Edo, Abuja, and Lagos in recent months.

Upcoming Legal Action:

 

 The EFCC has confirmed that the arrested suspects will be charged to court promptly once investigations are fully concluded. This latest operation is a key component of the commission's broader, ongoing strategy to combat cybercrime and financial fraud throughout Nigeria.

 I'm Aisha shehu

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