Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) have apprehended one Ogenevowero Emefeke, 37, resident in Guida Area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for pulling-off an elaborate fraudulent scheme on an Australian national.
This is as the operatives recovered 60.000 (AUD) from the suspect.
Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Monday in Abuja, said the feat was coming on the heels of actionable intelligence made available by the South Australian Police Department (SAPOL).
“The suspect, in a written statement during Police interview, freely admitted to having committed the fraud and several others dating back to 2021.
“In unmasking his modus operandi, investigation reveals that the suspect and his cohorts usually adopt pseudo identities of renown International celebrities, carefully select their victims through different social media platforms, lure them into an attack popularly known as “Romance Scam”, and after gaining their trust, subsequently play on their emotion to swindle them of their resources. Investigation further revealed that the victims are usually vulnerable men and women in desperate search for emotional comfort and fame,” the spokesperson stated.
He said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Baba, while applauding the new wave of anti-cybercrime achievements recorded by NPF-NCCC under the constructive leadership of the Director NCC, DCP Ifeanyi Henry Uche, via collaborations with international anti-cybercrime agencies, charged the Center to sustain the drive.
He said the IGP urged members of the public to exercise restraint in engaging in businesses and relationships with individuals whose real identities have not been physically verified.
Adejobi noted that while the processes to repatriate the recovered fund to the victim through the Australian Consulate was being perfected, the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
“All complaints or information bordering on cybercime can be sent to the NPF NCCC through its e-reporting portal – https://incb.npf.gov.ng/ or @NPF_NCCC across all social media platforms, and via mobile on 09168343711,” he added.