‎Police secure conviction in $1m international oil fraud case

‎The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has secured the conviction of one Mr. David Udensik, also known as Dr. Jacob Bello, for his involvement in a transnational oil-related fraud scheme worth over $1 million.
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‎According to a statement on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the conviction followed a petition from a United States–based energy company, which accused the suspect of defrauding the firm under the guise of facilitating legitimate crude oil transactions in Nigeria.
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‎Investigations by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) revealed that between 2018 and 2023, Udensik led a criminal network that forged documents allegedly issued by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other regulatory bodies to deceive the victim company.
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‎Forensic analysis confirmed that all the documents, seals, and authentication materials used were counterfeit. Funds traced to the fraudulent transactions were found to have been diverted into accounts controlled by Udensik and his accomplices.
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‎After extensive investigation and prosecution, the Federal High Court, Abuja, on October 22, 2025, convicted Udensik on charges of Forgery, Obtaining by False Pretence, and Money Laundering. The court also ordered the forfeiture of assets worth several hundreds of millions of naira, including real estate and other properties acquired with proceeds of the crime, to enable restitution to the victim company.
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‎Commending the officers involved in the case, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, lauded their professionalism and dedication. He reiterated the Force’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s corporate integrity and ensuring that cyber-enabled financial criminals, regardless of status or location, face justice.