By Abimbola Ogunnaike
One Ogenevowero Emefeke, a 37-year-old resident of Guida Area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja has been arrested by the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force – National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) for pulling-off an elaborate fraudulent scheme on an Australian national.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed the arrest of Emefeke in a statement released on Monday, 22 May, 2023, said the arrest is coming on the heels of actionable intelligence made available by the South Australian Police Department (SAPOL).
According to Adejobi, the sum of sixty thousand Australian Dollars (60,000.00 AUD) was recovered from the suspect.
“The suspect, in a written statement during Police interview, freely admitted to having committed the fraud and several others dating back to 2021,” the statement read.
“In unmasking his modus operandi, investigation reveals that the suspect and his cohorts usually adopt pseudo identities of renowned 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 State police image-maker said.
“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, via collaborations with international anti-cybercrime agencies, charged the Center to sustain the drive.”In the same vein, the IGP urges 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 repatriate the recovered fund to the victim through the Australian Consulate are being perfected, the suspect will 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.
