Dare Babalola
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered and dismantled a suspected internet fraud training hub, popularly referred to as a “Yahoo academy,” in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), arresting 31 individuals during a coordinated operation.
The anti-graft agency disclosed in a statement posted on its official social media platforms on Thursday that the suspects were apprehended at Becki Estate in Karu, within the (FCT).
According to the EFCC, the raid targeted a facility allegedly being used to groom young individuals in cybercrime.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, April 9, 2026 arrested 31 suspected internet fraudsters in a sting operation at an internet fraud academy, situated in Becki Estate, Karu, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,” the statement read.
The Commission revealed that those arrested included two alleged kingpins believed to be in charge of the operation, as well as several trainees undergoing instruction in internet fraud techniques at the time of the raid.
“The suspects, comprising two kingpins and interns, were nabbed while undergoing internet fraud tutorials. Items recovered from them include phones, 18 laptop computers and other gadgets,” the statement added.
Preliminary investigations by the EFCC indicated that the operation had a structured recruitment system, targeting unsuspecting youths from outside the FCT, particularly from Benue State.
“Investigation by the EFCC revealed that some of the interns were lured all the way from Benue State by the academy proprietors with the promise of job offers, but upon settling down at the facility, were handed communication devices, computers and software, setting the stage for their training in cyber fraud.”
The agency further uncovered disturbing details about the conditions under which the recruits were allegedly held, describing a system designed to enforce strict control and ensure compliance.
It continued, “To enforce compliance and dedication, the proprietors house the recruits in the academy and restrict their movements strictly within the perimeters of the facility and forcibly took possession of their mobile phones, thus totally cutting them off from the outside world.”
In addition to movement restrictions, the EFCC alleged that physical abuse was used as a form of discipline within the facility.
“Furthermore, corporal punishment was the order of the day, with heavy-handed physical assault meted out to interns who were seen to be recalcitrant.”
The Commission assured that all suspects would face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.
“The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”
