The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 31 suspects, including two instructors and 29 interns, following a raid on a cybercrime academy in Becki Estate, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
EFCC disclosed that the suspects were apprehended in a sting operation on Thursday while undergoing training in internet fraud.
The Commission highlighted items recovered from the suspects, including 18 laptops and other gadgets.
“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.
“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,” the anti-graft agency stated.
The agency noted that the suspects were often subjected to corporal punishment, with physical assault inflicted on interns who were considered disobedient.
It added that they will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
