Police discovers internet fraud academy in Benue

Internet fraudsters have reportedly established a “fraud academy” in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State. This revelation was made by the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Hassan Yabanet, on Tuesday during the parade of 35 suspects arrested for various crimes.

According to Commissioner Yabanet, a team of detectives was assigned to investigate the alleged fraud academy located at Jerome Hwande Street, Ankpa Quarters, Makurdi. He stated, “The fraud academy and the activities of internet fraudsters are operational at Jerome Hwande Street, Ankpa Quarters, Makurdi.”

The police investigation led to the arrest of two individuals: Terpase Luke Denmodi, 23, and Avalumun Ayangekaa Dominic, 24, on May 14, 2024. The suspects were apprehended at the residence linked to the fraud academy.

Items seized from the suspects included seven HP laptops, an Apple notebook, a Canon printer, 15 Ghanaian cedi notes, two international passports, and various pieces of clothing, among other items. Commissioner Yabanet disclosed that the suspects used multiple social media handles on their phones to defraud people of their money.

In addition to the alleged internet fraudsters, the police also paraded individuals accused of kidnapping, cultism, and armed robbery. Commissioner Yabanet cautioned landlords and hotel owners to be vigilant about the individuals they accommodate, warning that they could also face prosecution for criminal conspiracy if found to be harboring criminals.