In a recent development, the Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully apprehended 24 individuals suspected to be undergoing training for internet crimes in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The arrests, conducted on Monday, January 22, 2024, targeted a storey building believed to serve as a clandestine hub for the training of internet fraudsters.
The all-male suspects were taken into custody during an intelligence-driven sting operation carried out in two separate locations at D-Line Ewet Housing Estate and Nelson Mandela area, both situated in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The suspects were found on the upper floor of the identified building, resembling a classroom hall, equipped with chairs, tables, laptops, and notepads on each workstation. Authorities suspect that the building was exclusively used for instructing youths in various facets of cyber criminal activities.
Upon further investigation, law enforcement recovered a significant number of items from both the premises and the arrested suspects. These items include five luxury cars, 18 laptops, 17 mobile phones, and one internet router.
This incident follows a previous action by the EFCC on November 28, 2019, when 23 trainers and trainees were apprehended at a location identified as a “Yahoo Academy” situated on Essien Essien Street, Ikot Ibiok village in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The arrested individuals are expected to face legal consequences, as the EFCC plans to press charges against them once the ongoing investigations are concluded.
