The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major successes in its crackdown on cybercrime, dismantling a cross-border fraud syndicate, arresting a suspected fake World Bank official, and apprehending two individuals linked to a multi-million naira business email compromise scheme.
The operations were carried out by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun (note: replace if needed with correct current IGP), reaffirming the Force’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s financial systems and digital economy.
In one of the high-profile cases, operatives dismantled a sophisticated international fraud network following intelligence from a Nairobi-based NGO. The prime suspect, identified as Agbor Martins Black-Diamond, allegedly posed as a World Bank official and representative of U.S.-based donor agencies to defraud victims.
Investigations revealed that two Kenyan nationals were duped into transferring a total of $250,000 over three years under the pretext of processing fees for non-existent grants. The suspect also reportedly organized fake symposiums in Nigeria and South Africa to maintain credibility. In 2024, he allegedly persuaded the victims to secure a bank loan using family property in a failed bid to access a fictitious $850,000 fund.
Police arrested the suspect on March 31, 2026. Authorities discovered that his foundation was not legally registered, prompting him to create another company in 2024 to legitimize his operations. He is also accused of defrauding local farmers in the Federal Capital Territory.
In a separate case, the NPF-NCCC arrested Chinedu Mbachu, a former employee of a Makurdi-based firm, over allegations of cyber fraud and unauthorized system access. He allegedly diverted customer payments into personal accounts. Recovered items include a mobile phone and identification documents.
Meanwhile, two suspects—Ayodele Daramola and Dada Babatunde Oluwatobi—were arrested over a business email compromise scheme that reportedly siphoned ₦85 million from a private company. Police said the duo exploited internal systems to divert funds into personal accounts between May and December 2025.
Investigators disclosed that a portion of the funds was laundered through bank accounts, with significant amounts reportedly spent on online gambling. Recovered exhibits include ₦4 million in cash, a Lexus vehicle, a laptop, and a smartphone.
The police say investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to recover the remaining funds and prosecute those involved.
Inspector-General of Police reiterated that Nigeria will not serve as a safe haven for cybercriminals, assuring both citizens and international partners of the Force’s resolve to bring offenders to justice.
The statement was issued by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Post a Comment