The police, through their National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC), have dismantled a sophisticated WhatsApp fraud syndicate targeting prominent Nigerians.
The operation, which followed a complaint lodged on April 14, 2025, has led to the arrest of one key suspect and the freezing of millions of naira in suspected illicit funds.
The cyber-gang had been hijacking WhatsApp accounts, particularly those belonging to high-profile individuals, using advanced social engineering and mobile platform compromise techniques to defraud unsuspecting contacts, according to the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
He asserted that a swift response by the police cyber intelligence team led to the identification and disruption of the scheme.
According to the statement, the arrested suspect, Onajite Okoro, was tracked down in Warri, Delta State.
Okoro reportedly confessed to working with an accomplice known as ‘Chief Mallam Zaki’, whom he met on Facebook.
His role involved fraudulent SIM card registration, linking those SIMs to various bank accounts, and facilitating the transfer of stolen funds.
Forensic analysis of the suspect’s digital devices and financial records revealed concrete evidence tying him to the syndicate.
Investigations also uncovered multiple transactions across various Nigerian banks, leading to the freezing of illicit proceeds believed to run into millions of naira.
Read also:
- Stop aiding land grabbers, CDHR advises police
- Police confirm killing of Naval Officer by hoodlum in Kaduna
- Police foil kidnapping attempt in Adamawa, arrest suspect
The police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal network and bring all involved parties to justice.
In his reaction, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reiterated the zero-tolerance stance of the police on cybercrime, emphasizing that digital fraud and financial crimes will be met with decisive law enforcement action.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains fully committed to protecting the integrity of our cyberspace. Cybercriminals, regardless of who they target, will face the full weight of the law.
“The force is working closely with financial institutions and other stakeholders to extend the investigation and prosecute those involved in the growing wave of digital financial crimes in Nigeria,” he stated.
