The Nigeria Police Force’s National Cybercrime Centre has announced the arrest of two individuals in Abuja on charges of criminal conspiracy, identity theft, and romance scams.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed this development in a statement released on Thursday in Abuja. The arrests, according to Adejobi, were made in accordance with the directives of the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, aimed at ensuring a more secure cyber space for Nigerians.
The apprehended suspects, residents of Panasonic Estate in Idu, Abuja, have reportedly confessed to engaging in computer-related frauds, specifically linked to romance scams and identity theft. Adejobi emphasized that substantial evidence retrieved from their electronic devices has illuminated the extent of their criminal activities.
One of the suspects, identified as a former student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), claimed to have been involved in the music industry since 2016 and operates a public relations company. Shockingly, the suspect confessed to participating in fraudulent activities since 2014 through the social media platform Facebook.
The ongoing investigation has uncovered compelling evidence linking the suspect to a series of fraud and romance scams over the years. Notably, the two suspects are reported to be close associates, with the second suspect being apprehended alongside the first.
Adejobi disclosed that the second suspect initially asserted that his visit to the residence of the first suspect was for music recording purposes. However, he later admitted to having a unique connection with a 69-year-old white woman named Winnie, described as both a fan and a friend. Disturbingly, evidence has surfaced indicating a series of cash exchanges between the second suspect and the elderly woman. The police are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into these revelations.
