The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre has dismantled a cross-border fraud syndicate, arrested a suspect posing as a World Bank official, and apprehended two others over a major business email compromise scheme involving millions of naira.
The operations, carried out through intelligence-led investigations, highlight what the Force described as its renewed offensive against cybercrime and financial fraud targeting both local and international victims.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the breakthrough involving the cross-border syndicate followed actionable intelligence received from partners in East Africa.
“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the NPF-NCCC dismantled a sophisticated fraud network and arrested one Agbor Martins, who had been masquerading as a World Bank official and representative of foreign donor agencies,” Placid said.
He explained that the suspect defrauded foreign victims, including Kenyan nationals, of over $250,000 under the pretext of facilitating access to international development funding.
“The suspect exploited the trust of his victims, convincing them to part with huge sums as registration and administrative fees for fictitious grants. No such funding existed,” he stated.
Placid further revealed that the suspect went as far as organising fake symposiums in Nigeria and South Africa to lend credibility to the scheme.
“In a particularly disturbing twist, the victims were induced to secure loans using family property to access a non-existent $850,000 empowerment fund. This underscores the depth of deception employed,” he added.
Investigations also uncovered that the suspect extended his fraudulent activities locally, targeting unsuspecting farmers in the Federal Capital Territory under the guise of empowerment programmes.
In a separate operation, the NPF-NCCC arrested a former employee, Chinedu Mbachu, over allegations of unauthorised system access, cybersquatting, and diversion of company funds.
“The suspect confessed to diverting customer payments into his personal accounts, thereby defrauding his employer through abuse of entrusted access,” Placid disclosed.
Similarly, two other suspects, Ayodele Daramola and Dada Babatunde Oluwatobi, were arrested for their roles in a business email compromise and internal fraud scheme involving over ₦85 million.
“Preliminary findings revealed that the suspects conspired to manipulate internal systems and fraudulently divert company funds over a period of several months,” he said.
Placid noted that a significant portion of the stolen funds was laundered through multiple accounts, with a large sum reportedly lost to online gambling and betting platforms.
“Recovered exhibits include cash, electronic devices, and a vehicle, while efforts are ongoing to trace and recover the remaining proceeds of crime,” he added.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, Placid said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has directed sustained crackdowns on cybercriminal networks.
“Nigeria is not, and will never be, a safe haven for cybercriminals. The Force remains resolute in identifying, tracking, and bringing to justice all individuals who exploit technology and trust for fraudulent purposes,” he said.
He further assured both local and international stakeholders of the Force’s determination to protect Nigeria’s digital economy and uphold its global reputation.
“Through intelligence-driven policing and strategic partnerships, we will continue to dismantle criminal networks and safeguard legitimate economic activities,” Placid stated.
Investigations into the cases are ongoing, with the police intensifying efforts to apprehend other accomplices and ensure full prosecution of all suspects involved.
