The National Cybercrime Centre unit of the Nigeria Police Force has achieved a significant breakthrough by uncovering and dismantling a highly sophisticated cybercrime syndicate operating a cybercrime recruitment and mentoring hub in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
During the police interrogation, six suspects—Bernard Joseph, 27, Emmanuel Joseph, 22, Obasi Ikechukwu, 19, Anijiofor Tobechuckwu, 26, Andrew Moses, 19, and Israel Ezekiel, 19—confessed to their involvement in various cybercrimes. These included identity theft, hacking and trading of hacked Facebook accounts, romance scams, computer-related forgery, and other forms of computer-related fraud.
The Force Headquarters made this development known, emphasizing that the operation was initiated in response to a series of intelligence reports that indicated the syndicate’s deep involvement in various cybercrimes, including Business Email Compromise, Romance Scams, and High Yield Investment Program Fraud.
Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s unwavering commitment to combating crime in all its forms. He directed the Director of the NPF-NCCC, Uche Ifeanyi, to remain steadfast in ensuring the safety of individuals and enterprises online.
According to Force spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, a team of Cybercrime Forensic Experts and Investigators was deployed following the intelligence received. Their painstaking efforts led to the arrest of the six suspects in the Dantata estate area of the FCT on September 13, 2023. Several digital gadgets and materials used in their criminal activities were also recovered.
The suspects admitted to their varying degrees of involvement in cybercrimes, all of which are punishable under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. The investigation is ongoing, with efforts to apprehend other members of the criminal network who may have fled.
The police force urges the public to report any cybercrime recruitment centers and mentoring hubs noticed in their areas. The goal is to expose and prevent these illegal operations, and the police will continue to collaborate with partners, stakeholders, and other security agencies to combat cybercriminals and other criminals across the country.
The Nigeria Police Force appeals to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious online activities through their dedicated e-reporting portal and email.
