By Nkechi Eze
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 31 suspected internet fraudsters during a sting operation at a suspected cybercrime training facility, popularly referred to as a “Yahoo academy,” located at Becki Estate in Karu, within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The suspects were apprehended on Thursday, April 9, 2026, while allegedly undergoing specialized tutorials on internet fraud at the facility.
Spokesperson of the commission, Dele Oyewale, disclosed in an official statement that the suspects included two alleged kingpins believed to be running the operation and several trainees undergoing instruction in cyber fraud.
According to the EFCC, items recovered from the suspects during the operation included several mobile phones, 18 laptop computers and other electronic gadgets believed to have been used in the suspected fraudulent training activities.
Preliminary investigations by the anti-graft agency revealed that some of the recruits were allegedly lured from Benue State by the academy operators with promises of legitimate employment opportunities.
However, upon arrival and settling into the facility, the recruits were reportedly handed communication devices, computers and specialized software, which investigators said were used to initiate them into cyber fraud schemes.
Further findings by the commission indicated that the operators of the academy allegedly maintained strict control over the recruits by housing them within the premises and restricting their movement strictly to the confines of the facility.
The EFCC also disclosed that the proprietors allegedly confiscated the recruits’ mobile phones, effectively cutting them off from communication with the outside world.
Investigators further alleged that corporal punishment formed part of the disciplinary structure within the academy, with interns reportedly subjected to physical assault whenever they were perceived to be disobedient or unwilling to comply with instructions.
The anti-corruption agency stated that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
