Ajirioghene Imah
A 37-year-old resident of Guida Area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) identified as Ogenevowero Emefeke, has been apprehended by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force – National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) for pulling-off an elaborate fraudulent scheme on an Australian National and recovering the sum of sixty thousand Australian Dollars (60,000.00 AUD) from the suspect.
This is coming on the heels of actionable intelligence made available by the South Australian Police Department (SAPOL).
Emefeke’s arrest was disclosed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in Abuja.
According to him, “The suspect, in a written statement during Police interview, freely admitted to having committed the fraud and several others dating back to 2021.
“I’m unmasking his modus operandi, investigation revealed that the suspect and his cohorts usually adopt fake 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 Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba CFR, while applauding the new wave of anti-cybercrime achievements recorded by NPF-NCCC under the constructive leadership of the Director National Cybercrime Center, DCP Ifeanyi Henry Uche, through collaborations with international anti-cybercrime agencies, charged the Center to sustain the drive.
He also urged members of the public to exercise restraint in engaging in Businesses and Relationships with individuals whose real identities have not been physically verified.
While the processes to return the recovered fund to the victim through the Australian Consulate is being perfected, the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
