The Nigeria Police Force has successfully unmasked and dismantled the activities of a sophisticated cyber fraud syndicate whose calculated scheme is built around mobile platform compromise and social engineering tactics.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said on Wednesday that the activities of the syndicate, responsible for hijacking several WhatsApp accounts of citizens, particularly prominent figures, was dismantled through its National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC) following an official complaint lodged on April 14, 2025.
Adejobi said the investigators, through advanced digital forensics and other high investigative tactics, traced the fraudulent activity across multiple Nigerian banks, resulting in the freezing of illicit funds amounting to millions of naira. .
A key suspect, Onajite Okoro, apprehended in Warri, Delta state, confessed to collaborating with an accomplice identified as “Chief Mallam Zaki,” whom he met via Facebook, further highlighting his role in facilitating the fraudulent scheme by registering SIM cards, linking them to various bank accounts, and assisting in illicit fund transfers.
“Further analysis of Okoro’s fraudulent equipment and financial records have yielded concrete evidence of his involvement in the fraudulent scheme. The investigation also revealed additional syndicate members still at large. Efforts are on to arrest the fleeing suspects, conclude investigations and proceed for prosecution”, Adejobi said.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, again emphasized the zero-tolerance approach of the Force to all sorts of crime, particularly financial and cyber-related crimes, and its readiness to respond decisively to evolving digital threats, adding that it is currently working with relevant stakeholders and financial institutions to extend the investigation and ensure all culprits are brought to justice.
Adejobi urged citizens to adopt safer digital practices, including securing communication channels, using multi-factor authentication, and remaining alert to suspicious messages, even from trusted sources.
