The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)has launched an investigation into 30 suspected internet fraudsters who were apprehended at a so-called “Yahoo” training centre, known locally as Hustle Kingdom (HK), in Benin City, Edo State.
The arrests were carried out by personnel of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, who raided the premises and detained the suspects before handing them over to the EFCC on Monday, 28 April 2025, for further investigation.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Head of Media and Publicity at the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, the facility was disguised as a regular computer training school, complete with desktop computers, workstations, and a range of other IT equipment. However, the discovery of a section filled with fetish objects raised additional suspicions about the activities taking place within the compound.
Items recovered during the operation include a Toyota Corolla, multiple mobile phones, laptop computers, and MP3 players. The EFCC said these materials would aid in building a case against the suspects as investigations progress.
The agency stated that it is working to determine the full scope of the alleged cybercrime operation, which it described as indicative of the growing sophistication of internet fraud networks in the country.
“The operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have commenced investigation of 30 suspected internet fraudsters arrested in a Yahoo training school (a.k.a Hustle Kingdom, HK) in Benin City,” the statement read.
“The suspects, arrested by officers of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army at their hideout in Benin City, were on Monday, April 28, 2025, handed over to the EFCC for further investigation. At the time of arrest, the Yahoo school had all the features of a standard computer training facility, with desktop computers, workstations, and other accessories. A compartment stocked with various fetish items was also discovered at the location.”
The EFCC added that all individuals involved would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
The commission reaffirmed its determination to intensify its crackdown on cybercrime and bring offenders to justice, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious online activities to the appropriate authorities.