EFCC Arrests 31 at Abuja Fraud Training Centre

The EFCC arrests fraud suspects operation in Abuja has uncovered what authorities describe as a coordinated training setup for online fraud, raising fresh concerns about how young people are being recruited into cybercrime.

On Thursday, April 9, 2026, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission detained 31 individuals at an academy located in Becki Estate, Karu, within the Federal Capital Territory.

According to the EFCC, the group included two alleged ringleaders and several trainees who were reportedly undergoing instruction linked to online fraud activities.

The EFCC arrests fraud suspects raid led to the recovery of multiple items, including:

• Mobile phones
• Eighteen computers
• Other electronic gadgets

Authorities believe these tools were being used as part of the training process.

But what stands out is how some of the individuals reportedly got there.

In a statement shared by the agency, it was revealed that several trainees were allegedly lured from Benue State with promises of legitimate job opportunities.

Instead, they found themselves in a controlled environment.

“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,” the EFCC stated.

Reports also suggest that movement within the facility was restricted.

Some trainees were allegedly confined to the premises, had limited interaction with the outside world, and had their phones taken from them.

There are also claims that individuals who failed to follow instructions faced physical punishment, though these allegations are yet to be independently verified.

The EFCC arrests fraud suspects case is still under investigation, and authorities have confirmed that those involved will be charged to court once inquiries are complete.