EFCC arrests 10 suspects at ‘cyber trickery training academy’ in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has arrested 10 suspects at a “cyber trickery academy” in Abuja.

The anti-graft agency disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, adding that the “sponsor” of the “academy” is at large.

According to the EFCC, the suspects, who are said to be aged between 20 and 30, were arrested with laptop computers and mobile phones.

Narrating the process, the commission said the sponsor collects a percentage of the earnings of the “students”, while also serving as a link for money laundering.

“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on January 29, 2021, arrested 10 suspects over computer-related fraud known as ‘Yahoo-Yahoo’,” the statement reads.

“They were arrested at their Academy in Bwari axis of Abuja where they were said to be learning the trade of cyber trickery.

“The suspects, aged between 20 and 30 years, are Sixtus Jude, Moses Samuel, Isalan Johnny, Dapet Nimshak, Samuel Ogboche, Victor Samuel, Victor Asuquo, Ibrahim Yunusa, Yahaya Usman and Chijoke Ikwuoha.

“They were arrested with different incriminating items such as mobile phones and computers. The promoter of the Academy is however on the run.

“Investigations showed that the sponsor recruits and trains young individuals who show interest in internet fraud. The sponsor gets his percentage of their earnings based on an agreement between him and the recruits. He also serves as a conduit for laundering the money gotten from internet fraud by some of the suspects.”

The commission added that the suspects will be prosecuted after investigation is completed.