In Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, a fraudulent academy has been uncovered where individuals are being trained in the art of swindling. However, the Benue State Police Command has taken action against this criminal operation by apprehending a gang of eight internet fraudsters who were associated with the academy. Additionally, numerous suspects involved in various crimes such as kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, criminal conspiracy, attempted rape, mischief, and unlawful possession of firearms were also arrested.
During a press briefing at the command’ s headquarters, the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Hassan Yabanet, outlined the achievements of the police force since his assumption of office. He highlighted their efforts in dismantling illegal roadblocks, strengthening units combating cybercrime and kidnapping, as well as ongoing operations against bandits in different local government areas of the state. Within the period from April 13 to May 21, 2024, the command successfully made over 35 arrests, leading to significant progress in curbing criminal activities.
The police received information about the fraud academy located at Jerome Hwande Street, Akpa- Quarters, Makurdi. Acting on this intelligence, they dispatched detectives to investigate the case. On May 14, 2024, the police raided the house and apprehended two individuals named Terpase Luke Denmodi and Avalumun Ayangekaa Dominic. The authorities seized several items, including laptops, printers, foreign currency, passports, and clothing. The arrested suspects confessed to their involvement in fraud, revealing that they primarily targeted foreigners and trained students in the art of swindling, sharing the proceeds of their illicit activities with them
In another operation on May 14, information was received about fraudsters staying in a hotel along Kashim Ibrahim Road, Makurdi. The cybercrime section swiftly acted upon this intelligence and arrested eight suspects who were found in one of the hotel rooms. Investigation revealed that these individuals were internet fraudsters who used multiple social media handles on their phones to deceive people and extort money from them.
Furthermore, the commissioner disclosed other incidents, including an armed robbery and kidnapping incident on the Makurdi- Naka road, where motorcyclists were targeted and robbed. In another case, a group of individuals suspected of involvement in criminal activities was apprehended at Terwase Agbadu extension, Makurdi. The suspects were linked to internet fraud and drug abuse and were being trained by a network of fraudsters from other states.
The commissioner also warned landlords and hoteliers to exercise caution when accommodating individuals, as they could inadvertently become victims and face prosecution for criminal conspiracy. He emphasized that the police would continue to pursue criminals relentlessly and urged the public to provide timely and useful information to aid their efforts.
Lastly, the commissioner expressed gratitude for the support received from the Inspector- General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and the people of Benue since his assumption of duty. Some of the suspects admitted to their involvement in the crimes, while others claimed to be innocent visitors during the police raids. The investigation is ongoing, with efforts underway to apprehend the remaining members of the criminal gangs.
