POLICE APPREHENDS 82 SUSPECTS FOR FINANCIAL, CYBER-RELATED CRIMES

As Police Parades Suspects Involved in Multi-Million Dollar Fraud

 

The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended 82 suspects in January 2025 for various financial and cyber-related crimes, including internet fraud, romance scams, identity theft, cryptocurrency fraud, transnational fraud, and several other cyber offenses. The arrests were made through the Force’s National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC) in a significant crackdown on cybercrime across the country.

The operations highlight the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to its Action Plan aimed at improving the country’s reputation and removing Nigeria from the FATF Grey List.

During a press briefing on February 6, 2025, at the NPF-NCCC, the Force paraded several suspects connected to various fraudulent schemes that have defrauded individuals and organizations both within and outside the country. Among the notable arrests was that of Saidu Adam Usman and Yusuf Umar, who were involved in creating and distributing compromised financial accounts. These accounts were used in fraudulent transactions totaling over ₦400 million. The suspects used pre-registered SIM cards and email addresses to set up Moniepoint profiles, then facilitated KYC verification to fraudulently obtain Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) and KYC details from unsuspecting individuals.

Another significant arrest involved Rabiu Aliyu Salisu, also known as Rabo, who was charged with identity theft, computer-related fraud, and money laundering. Salisu assumed the identity of an American citizen, “Matthew Ramsey,” and defrauded Deborah Woods, an American national, of $597,000.

Additionally, the Force secured the arrest of Idowu Smart Emmanuel, who had filed false allegations of criminal defamation, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and falsehood. Emmanuel later admitted to his involvement in the crime.

The Nigeria Police Force has issued a warning against the inappropriate use of social media for illegal activities such as fraud, defamation, and cyberstalking. The Force remains committed to tackling cybercrime and ensuring that criminals involved in these activities face legal consequences.

Members of the public are advised to exercise extreme caution when engaging in online transactions and to ensure proper verification of operators before conducting significant financial dealings.