Nigeria Police Dismantles WhatsApp Fraud Syndicate Targeting Prominent Citizens, Recovers Millions
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), through its National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC), has successfully busted a sophisticated WhatsApp fraud syndicate responsible for hijacking accounts of high-profile Nigerians and attempting to defraud their contacts.
This is disclosed in a statement by The police spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The operation, initiated after a complaint on April 14, 2025, led to the arrest of a key suspect and the recovery of millions of naira in illicit funds.
The NPF-NCCC’s cyber intelligence team swiftly responded to the complaint, uncovering a calculated scheme that relied on mobile platform compromise and social engineering tactics. Through advanced digital forensics and investigative techniques, authorities traced the fraudulent activities across multiple Nigerian banks, leading to the freezing of substantial illicit funds.
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One key suspect, Onajite Okoro, was apprehended in Warri, Delta State. Okoro has confessed to collaborating with an accomplice known as “Chief Mallam Zaki,” whom he met on Facebook. Okoro admitted his role in facilitating the fraudulent scheme by registering SIM cards, linking them to various bank accounts, and assisting in illicit fund transfers. Analysis of his equipment and financial records has provided concrete evidence of his involvement.
The investigation has also revealed additional syndicate members who are currently at large.
The NPF-NCCC is actively working to apprehend these fleeing suspects, conclude the investigation, and initiate prosecution.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s zero-tolerance approach to all forms of crime, particularly financial and cyber-related offenses. He emphasized the Force’s readiness to respond decisively to evolving digital threats and its ongoing collaboration with relevant stakeholders and financial institutions to ensure all culprits are brought to justice.
The Nigeria Police Force urges citizens to adopt safer digital practices, including securing communication channels, utilizing multi-factor authentication, and remaining vigilant against suspicious messages, even when they appear to originate from trusted sources. The NPF remains committed to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s cyberspace and ensuring that all threat actors face the full weight of the law.
By PRNigeria
