Umuahia, Abia State – 18 July 2025 – Operatives from Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have dismantled a suspected cybercrime training facility in Umuahia, arresting 23 individuals in a major crackdown on internet fraud.
The raid, conducted by the EFCC’s Uyo Zonal Directorate on Friday, targeted a site dubbed the “yahoo-yahoo Hustle Kingdom,” located in the Doofco Palace building behind Government College Umuahia. Acting on credible intelligence, EFCC agents apprehended eight trainees who were allegedly undergoing instruction in cybercrimes, commonly referred to as “yahoo-yahoo” scams in Nigeria.
The arrested trainees were identified as Toona Henry, Tavershima Solomon, Chi Orseer James, Ubee Benjamin, Gabriel Ibe Ifeanyi, Tindue Godwin, Muhammed Terwase Micheal, and Destiny Andrew.
In addition to the training centre arrests, a further 15 suspects were detained at various locations across Umuahia, including Umudike, Ahiaeke, and Umugu. These individuals were named 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.
During the operation, EFCC operatives recovered several items believed to be linked to the suspects’ activities, including two vehicles, 15 laptops, and 34 mobile phones. These seizures are expected to form part of the evidence in the forthcoming prosecution.
In a statement released via its official X account (formerly Twitter), the EFCC described the facility as a “cybercrimes training centre” and emphasised its ongoing efforts to combat economic and financial crimes across the country. “The suspects will soon be charged to court,” the agency confirmed.
This bust comes amid heightened concerns over the proliferation of cyber fraud in Nigeria, which has drawn international scrutiny and prompted collaborative efforts with global law enforcement agencies. The EFCC has repeatedly urged the public to report suspicious activities, highlighting the role of intelligence in operations like this one.
