The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reportedly arrested 82 suspects for various cyber and financial crimes, including internet fraud, identity theft, cryptocurrency fraud, and transnational scams.
The arrests, according to a statement was part of a nationwide effort to crack down on cybercrime and restore the nation’s image globally.
According to the police statement, these suspects were involved in fraudulent schemes that targeted both local and international victims.
During a press briefing at the National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) yesterday, the police paraded several of the arrested suspects, highlighting their alleged roles in major fraud cases.
In the statement, issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed the arrests were a step towards protecting Nigerians and ensuring cybercriminals face justice. “We are fully committed to tracking down those who use digital platforms to defraud innocent people. Cybercrime will not be tolerated,” he said.
Among those arrested were Saidu Adam Usman and Yusuf Umar, who were accused of creating and distributing fraudulent financial accounts used for transactions worth over ₦400 million.
Police investigations revealed that the duo used pre-registered SIM cards and fake email addresses to set up Moniepoint profiles, which they then verified using illegally obtained Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) and KYC details. “Once the accounts were set up, they changed the passwords and secured them for an unknown foreign collaborator,” Adejobi explained in the statement.
Another suspect, Rabiu Aliyu Salisu, also known as Rabo, was arrested for identity theft, fraud, and money laundering. He allegedly impersonated an American citizen, Matthew Ramsey, and tricked a U.S. national, Deborah Woods, into sending him $597,000.
“This suspect used false identity to deceive his victim and stole a huge sum of money from her,” the police spokesperson explained further in the statement.
In addition, the police arrested Idowu Smart Emmanuel over allegations of cyberstalking, defamation, and spreading false information online. According to the police, Emmanuel admitted that the accusations he made online were false. “This case should serve as a lesson to those who misuse social media to spread lies and harass others,” the FPRO warned.
However, police urged Nigerians to be cautious when making financial transactions online, stressing the need for proper verification before sending money.
“Many criminals take advantage of people’s trust. We advise everyone to be extra careful and confirm the legitimacy of any online business before making payments,” the statement read.
These arrests, the police said, are part of a broader effort to remove Nigeria from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, which includes countries with weakmeasures against financial
