The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, has uncovered a cybercrime training centre, popularly known as a ‘Yahoo-Yahoo Academy’, in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

In an anti-cybercrime operation carried out on Friday, July 18, 2025, operatives of the Commission stormed the facility, known as “Yahoo-Yahoo Hustle Kingdom,” located inside Doofco Palace building behind Government College Umuahia, and arrested 23 suspects, including eight trainees undergoing cybercrime tutoring.

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

Fifteen other individuals, believed to be active cybercrime operatives or associates, were also arrested in coordinated raids across Umudike, Ahiaeke, and Umugu—suburbs within Umuahia. They 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 operatives recovered several incriminating items from the suspects including 15 laptops, 34 mobile phones, and two cars, suspected to be proceeds of cybercrime.

According to EFCC officials, the operation followed credible intelligence linking the facility and the suspects to organized internet fraud schemes.

The Commission has confirmed that investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of inquiries.