The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered and dismantled a sophisticated cyber fraud syndicate that had been targeting high-profile Nigerians through compromised WhatsApp accounts.
In a press release issued Wednesday and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Police said the syndicate was exposed following an official complaint on April 14, 2025.
The complaint led to an intensive investigation by the National Cybercrime Centre of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to ACP Adejobi, using advanced digital forensics, the cyber intelligence team traced fraudulent activity across several Nigerian banks, freezing illicit funds worth millions of naira.
One suspect, identified as Onajite Okoro, was arrested in Warri, Delta State. He confessed to working with an accomplice known as “Chief Mallam Zaki,” whom he met on Facebook.
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Investigators say the suspects used illegally registered SIM cards linked to multiple bank accounts to defraud unsuspecting individuals.
Further investigations revealed more syndicate members are still at large. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend them and bring them to justice.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reiterated the Force’s zero-tolerance stance on cybercrime and financial fraud. He is urging Nigerians to adopt multi-factor authentication and remain vigilant online — even when messages appear to come from familiar contacts.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
