Thursday, March 28, 2024

Police nab suspect for allegedly defrauding Australian of $60,000

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.

• May 22, 2023
Nigerian police officers used to illustrate the story
Police officer used to illustrate the story

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force – National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC), have arrested one Egenevowero Emefeke for allegedly pulling off an elaborate fraudulent scheme to defraud an Australian.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

He said the sum of 60,000 Australian Dollars was recovered from the 37-year-old suspect, who resides in Guida Area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Mr Adejobi said Emefeke was arrested following actionable intelligence made available by the South Australian Police Department.

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.

“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.

“They lure the victims into an attack popularly known as “Romance Scam”, and after gaining their trust, subsequently play on their emotion to defraud them of their resources.

“Investigation further revealed that the victims are usually vulnerable men and women in desperate search for emotional comfort and fame,” he said.

Mr Adejobi said the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Usman Baba, had commended recent successes in tackling the new wave of anti-cybercrimes recorded by NPF-NCCC in collaboration with international anti-cybercrime agencies.

The I-G urged the Center to sustain the drive and called on the public to exercise restraint in engaging in businesses and relationships with individuals whose real identities had not been physically verified.

“While the processes to repatriate 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.

“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,”  Adejobi said. 

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

NationWide

Implementation of attractive road map will boost blue economy: Peterside

“For blue economy to thrive, most important factor today in Nigeria is security.’’

Ignatius Kaigama

Faith

Archbishop Kaigama advises priests on selflessness, dedication to duty

“The Lord offers us His love and redemption through the price He paid on the cross.’’

President Bola Tinubu

NationWide

Killers of soldiers on peace mission in Delta won’t go unpunished: Tinubu

They went as peacemakers and peacekeepers respectfully seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities.

Dele Alake

NationWide

Minister orders new NSCDC marshals to smoke out illegal miners

Mr Alake said there were plans for other security sister agencies to integrate their officers into the outfit structure.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima

Health

FG pledges training of teaching hospital personnel to enhance healthcare delivery

“I commend the CMD and his team for providing quality leadership to the hospital’’