EFCC Busts Yahoo Academy, Arrests 23 Suspects in Abia State

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, have dismantled a notorious cybercrime training centre dubbed the Yahoo-Yahoo Hustle Kingdom in Umuahia, Abia State. The operation, which took place on Friday, July 18, 2025, led to the arrest of 23 individuals suspected of internet fraud.

The suspects include eight trainees who were allegedly undergoing cybercrime training and fifteen other individuals involved in fraudulent activities. According to the EFCC, the academy was located within the Doofco Palace building behind Government College, Umuahia, and was uncovered following credible intelligence received by the Commission. The agency has described the discovery as another major step in its crackdown on cybercrime networks operating under the guise of informal training centres.

Names of Suspects and Items Recovered

The EFCC identified the arrested trainees as Toona Henry, Tavershima Solomon, Chi Orseer James, Ubee Benjamin, Gabriel Ibe Ifeanyi, Tindue Godwin, Muhammed Terwase Michael, and Destiny Andrew. The fifteen others 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.

The arrests were carried out at multiple locations including Umudike, Ahiaeke, and Umugu — all in the Umuahia area of Abia State. Items recovered from the suspects include two cars, 15 laptops, and 34 mobile phones, which the EFCC says are currently being forensically analyzed. According to the anti-graft agency, the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

$12m Money Laundering Trial: Witness Links Bank Executives to Cash Transfers

In a related development, the EFCC also continued proceedings in the high-profile trial of Halima Buba and Innocent Mbagwu, top executives of SunTrust Bank Limited, over an alleged $12 million money laundering scheme. On Friday, July 18, 2025, the first prosecution witness (PW1) testified before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

PW1, a bureau de change operator, told the court that he received $12 million in cash from Aisha Achimugu—owner of Ocean Gate Energy Oil and Gas—and transferred the money to various accounts allegedly at her request. The witness explained that the transactions occurred between March 10 and 24, 2025, across both Abuja and Lagos branches of SunTrust Bank. He emphasized that although he had accounts with the bank, “none of the money went through my account.”

The witness added that Achimugu had previously given him an additional $1.8 million for naira conversion in tranches. He confirmed he became aware of Achimugu’s arrest through social media, which he then forwarded to the first defendant, Halima Buba.

Defence Fails to Tender Exhibits Amid Prosecution Objection

During cross-examination, defence counsel Johnson Usman, SAN, attempted to tender a series of documents, including count charges and extra-judicial statements, in evidence. However, the attempt was blocked by the prosecution, led by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, who argued that the exhibits were uncertified and failed to meet the requirements of admissibility under the Evidence Act.

Oyedepo pointed out that many of the documents could only be certified by the EFCC or SunTrust Bank officials who had custody of the originals. He stressed that the defence had not provided certified true copies or fulfilled the statutory requirements under Section 104 and Section 232 of the Evidence Act. “What the tendering party intends to achieve is to turn my lord into a forensic expert,” Oyedepo remarked, urging the court to reject the exhibits.

Justice Emeka Nwite agreed to consider the arguments and adjourned the matter to October 16 and 17, 2025, for ruling on the admissibility of the documents and continuation of cross-examination.

EFCC Ramps Up Enforcement Amid Rising Financial Crimes

The EFCC continues to intensify its fight against economic and financial crimes across Nigeria. The simultaneous action against both street-level cybercrime and high-profile corporate financial misconduct signals the agency’s renewed resolve to combat fraud at all levels.

In the case involving the Yahoo academy in Umuahia, the EFCC has warned the public about the rise of pseudo-training institutions masquerading as tech hubs but acting as breeding grounds for cybercriminals. On the other hand, the $12 million SunTrust Bank case highlights the complexities of institutional complicity in large-scale money laundering operations.

Both matters underscore the Commission’s multidimensional strategy in tackling financial crimes—from ground-level raids to courtroom prosecutions involving powerful banking executives. The EFCC has reiterated that no individual or institution will be spared in its ongoing war against corruption and economic sabotage.