The Delta State Police Command has announced that several individuals suspected of operating an Internet fraud academy known as Hustlers Kingdom are currently facing trial. This follows the arrest of approximately 123 suspects during a military raid in Warri.
Delta Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, provided insights into the situation in an exclusive phone conversation with PUNCH Metro on Monday. The raid, conducted by soldiers from the 3rd Battalion Nigerian Army Barracks, uncovered a facility allegedly involved in training cybercriminals.
In September, there was a report that the military operation led to the apprehension of the suspects, who were subsequently handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution. Edafe revealed that one of the suspects had contacted a family member through a laptop provided by the academy, which ultimately led to the military’s intervention.
How the Academy Operated
The police spokesperson explained that the academy lured young individuals with promises of training in Bitcoin trading and Forex. Instead, they were trapped in a cybercrime network. Edafe noted that many of the victims, primarily teenagers, were manipulated into participating in fraudulent activities.
“They engage agents to flaunt wealth on social media, targeting unsuspecting boys aged 17 to 20 with the allure of learning about cryptocurrency and Forex trading,” Edafe said. “Some victims were brought in from states like Kaduna, Akwa Ibom, and Oyo, only to be subjected to violence and poor living conditions.”
Victim Shares Horrific Experience
Among those arrested, Gbolahan Olaide recounted his harrowing experience at the academy. He claimed he was held captive for nine months after being lured to Warri by a friend who promised financial support for a trip to Cairo, Egypt.
“I needed money to complete my travel plans, so a friend invited me to Warri. But when I arrived, everything changed,” Olaide recalled. “I was picked up from the park and taken to a house where I was locked up with other victims. They told me I couldn’t leave and forced me to learn internet fraud. I was beaten whenever I expressed a desire to go home.”
Olaide described a brutal environment where he endured physical violence, leading to severe health issues. Despite the mistreatment, he was coerced into fraudulent activities, including hacking social media accounts and deceiving foreign individuals for financial gain.
Ongoing Investigations
The Delta police spokesperson confirmed that those arrested in connection with Hustlers Kingdom have been charged in court. The authorities in Warri are continuing their investigation into the academy’s operations, ensuring that all individuals held against their will will also be brought to justice.
As the case unfolds, it highlights the growing concerns around internet fraud and the exploitation of vulnerable youths in Nigeria.
Leave a Reply