By Samuel Luka, Bauchi
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed that its operatives have successfully dismantled a sophisticated cyber fraud syndicate and arrested one key suspect, Onajite Okoro ‘m’, in Warri, Delta State.
A press release made available to newsmen on Wednesday by the Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters Abuja, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the cyber fraud syndicate is responsible for hijacking several WhatsApp accounts of citizens, particularly prominent figures.
The suspect further highlighted his role in facilitating the fraudulent scheme by registering SIM cards, linking them to various bank accounts, and assisting in illicit fund transfers
ACP Adejobi who disclosed that the syndicate’s subsequent attempts is to defraud contacts within its network said the arrested suspect confessed to collaborating with an accomplice identified as “Chief Mallam Zaki,” whom he met via Facebook.
According to ACP Adejobi, the suspect further highlighted his role in facilitating the fraudulent scheme by registering SIM cards, linking them to various bank accounts, and assisting in illicit fund transfers.
He said, further analysis of Okoro’s fraudulent equipment and financial records has yielded concrete evidence of his involvement in the fraudulent scheme.
Through advanced digital forensics and other high investigative tactics, the investigators traced the fraudulent activity across multiple Nigerian banks
ACP Adejobi explained that the investigation also revealed additional syndicate members still at large, saying, efforts are on to arrest the fleeing suspects, conclude investigations and proceed for prosecution, adding that the feat was achieved through its National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC).
The operation, according to ACP Olumuyiwa, followed an official complaint lodged on April 14, 2025.
He said, following the complain, a swift and strategic response by the NPF-NCCC’s cyber intelligence team led to the unmasking of a calculated scheme built around mobile platform compromise and social engineering tactics.
“Through advanced digital forensics and other high investigative tactics, the investigators traced the fraudulent activity across multiple Nigerian banks, resulting in the freezing of illicit funds amounting to millions of naira”, the police said.
ACP Adejobi stated that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has emphasized zero-tolerance approach of the Nigeria Police Force to all sorts of crime, particularly financial and cyber-related crimes.
The Force is currently working with relevant stakeholders and financial institutions to extend the investigation and ensure all culprits are brought to justice
The Force PRO said that the IGP also reiterated the readiness of the police to respond decisively to evolving digital threats.
“The Force is currently working with relevant stakeholders and financial institutions to extend the investigation and ensure all culprits are brought to justice”, the press release added.
It urged the citizens to adopt safer digital practices, including securing communication channels, using multi-factor authentication, and remaining alert to suspicious messages, even from trusted sources.
The press release maintained that the Nigeria Police Force remains fully committed to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s cyberspace and ensuring that all threat actors, regardless of their status or targets, face the full weight of the law.
