23 arrested in Abia ‘yahoo academy’

Abia map

The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has busted a cybercrime training centre in Umuahia, Abia State, arresting 23 suspected internet fraudsters, including eight undergoing training.

The anti-graft agency said the centre, known as ‘Yahoo-Yahoo Hustle Kingdom’, was located inside the Doofco Palace building, behind Government College, Umuahia.

In a statement issued on Friday, the EFCC said, “Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Uyo Zonal Directorate, on Friday, July 18, 2025, uncovered a cybercrimes training centre known as ‘yahoo-yahoo Hustle Kingdom’ at Umuahia in Abia State, and arrested eight suspected trainees undergoing training and fifteen others.”

Those arrested at the training centre include Toona Henry, Tavershima Solomon, Chi Orseer James, Ubee Benjamin, Gabriel Ibe Ifeanyi, Tindue Godwin, Muhammed Terwase Micheal, and Destiny Andrew.

Others picked up in separate operations at Umudike, Ahiaeke, and Umugu in Umuahia are: 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.

According to the statement, “The trainees were arrested at the training centre located at Doofco Palace building, behind Government College Umuahia, on credible intelligence, while others were arrested at Umudike, Ahiaeke, and Umugu, all in Umuahia, Abia State.”

Recovered items include two cars, 15 laptops, and 34 mobile phones. Punch