The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has uncovered a cybercrime training centre, dubbed “Yahoo-Yahoo Hustle Kingdom,” in Umuahia, Abia State, leading to the arrest of 23 individuals, including eight trainees.
The operation was carried out on Friday, July 18, 2025, by operatives of the EFCC’s Uyo Zonal Command, following credible intelligence.
According to a statement issued by the commission, the illegal facility was located within the Doofco Palace building, behind Government College in Umuahia.
“Operatives of the EFCC stormed the cybercrime academy and apprehended eight suspects undergoing training in internet fraud, alongside 15 others in separate operations in Umudike, Ahiaeke, and Umugu, all within Umuahia,” the statement revealed.
Among those arrested at the cybercrime centre were Toona Henry, Tavershima Solomon, Chi Orseer James, Ubee Benjamin, Gabriel Ibe Ifeanyi, Tindue Godwin, Muhammed Terwase Micheal, and Destiny Andrew.
The others picked up in simultaneous raids 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.
EFCC officials also recovered various items during the operation, including two vehicles, 15 laptops, and 34 mobile phones suspected to have been used for fraudulent activities.
Speaking on the operation, an EFCC spokesperson said, “This bust is part of our ongoing efforts to disrupt cybercrime networks across Nigeria and deter young people from engaging in internet fraud under the guise of ‘hustling.’”
The agency confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of preliminary inquiries.
“We urge the public, especially the youth, to shun cybercrime and channel their skills into legitimate and productive ventures,” the spokesperson added.
