The National Cybercrime Centre of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF-NCCC) has arrested a 37-year-old resident of Guida Area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ogenevowero Emefeke, for pulling-off an elaborate fraudulent scheme on an Australian National.
Also recovered from the suspect was the sum of 60,000 Australian Dollars.
Disclosing this on Monday, May 22, 2023, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said that the arrest was made after an actionable intelligence made available by the South Australian Police Department (SAPOL).
The FPRO said: “The suspect, in a written statement during police interview, freely admitted to having committed the fraud and several others dating back to 2021.
“In unmasking his modus operandi, investigation revealed that the suspect and his cohorts usually adopt pseudo identities of renown International celebrities, carefully select their victims through different social media platforms, lure them into an attack popularly known as “Romance Scam”, and after gaining their trust, subsequently play on their emotion to swindle them of their resources.
“Investigation further revealed that the victims are usually vulnerable men and women in desperate search for emotional comfort and fame.”
The Force spokesman added that the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, applauded the new wave of anti-cybercrime achievements recorded by NPF-NCCC under the constructive leadership of the Director, National Cybercrime Center, DCP Ifeanyi Henry Uche, via collaborations with international anti-cybercrime agencies.
Charging the Center to sustain the drive, the IGP urged members of the public to exercise restraint in engaging in businesses and relationships with individuals whose real identities have not been physically verified.
“While the processes to repatriate the recovered fund to the victim through the Australian Consulate is being perfected, the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” Adejobi said.
He said that all complaints or information bordering on cybercime could be sent to the NPF NCCC through its e-reporting portal – https://incb.npf.gov.ng/ or @NPF_NCCC across all social media platforms and via mobile on 09168343711.
