The Delta State Police Command has arrested 123 suspected internet fraudsters at an estate along the Warri–Sapele road in Ekpan, Uvwie local government area.
SP Bright Edafe, the state Police Public Relations Officer, stated that the suspects, aged 17 and older, were allegedly lured from places like Kaduna, Ibadan, and Akwa Ibom with false promises of training in forex trading and cryptocurrency.
The operation, referred to as “Hustle Kingdom” (HK), recruited agents who scouted for young boys online, enticing them to come for training. Upon their arrival, the suspects had their phones confiscated and were given only laptops to use, while their movements were severely restricted.
Edafe explained, “These young men were told they would learn about forex trading and cryptocurrency. Instead, they were fed irregularly, subjected to beatings, and even forced to remain without clothes. They were told they could not leave.”
One young man from Kaduna managed to alert his mother using the laptop provided to him, which led to a rescue operation involving military personnel. Another suspect, who had studied Arabic and hoped to travel to Cairo, was also coerced into staying despite wanting to leave. He stated he was an Alfa and refused to engage in the activities but faced severe punishment.
The police spokesman advised parents to closely monitor their children to prevent them from being drawn into such dangerous situations. “We should ask the right questions when our children come home with unexpected wealth,” he cautioned.
One of the suspects, 17-year-old Gideon from Akwa Ibom, shared his experience, saying they were only allowed to use their phones on Sundays. He explained, “We sleep from 5 AM to 9 PM, and then we start looking for people to defraud online. We eat twice a day.”
