Police Uncovers, Dismantles WhatsApp Fraud Syndicate Targeting High-profile Nigerians โข ๐จ๐ ๐ต๐ท๐ญ u๐๐๐๐ c๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ a๐ ๐๐๐ m๐๐๐๐-f๐๐๐๐๐ a๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ s๐๐๐๐๐ d๐๐๐๐๐๐ t๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
By Trek Africa Newspaper
The Nigeria Police Force, through its National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC), has successfully uncovered and disrupted a sophisticated cyber fraud syndicate responsible for hijacking several WhatsApp accounts of citizens, particularly prominent figures, and subsequent attempts to defraud contacts within its network. This was disclosed in a press statement e-signed and released to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP by the Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
According to the statement, The operation followed an official complaint lodged on April 14, 2025. A swift and strategic response by the NPF-NCCCโs cyber intelligence team led to the unmasking of a calculated scheme built around mobile platform compromise and social engineering tactics.
โThrough advanced digital forensics and other high investigative tactics, the investigators traced the fraudulent activity across multiple Nigerian banks, resulting in the freezing of illicit funds amounting to millions of naira. One key suspect, Onajite Okoro โmโ, was apprehended in Warri, Delta State. The suspect confessed to collaborating with an accomplice identified as โChief Mallam Zaki,โ whom he met via Facebook, further highlighting his role in facilitating the fraudulent scheme by registering SIM cards, linking them to various bank accounts, and assisting in illicit fund transfers. Further analysis of Okoroโs fraudulent equipment and financial records has yielded concrete evidence of his involvement in the fraudulent scheme. The investigation also revealed additional syndicate members still at large. Efforts are on to arrest the fleeing suspects, conclude investigations and proceed for prosecution.
IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun: The Inspector-General of Nigeria Police
โThe Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, once again emphasizes the zero-tolerance approach of the Nigeria Police Force to all sorts of crime, particularly financial and cyber-related crimes, and its readiness to respond decisively to evolving digital threats. The Force is currently working with relevant stakeholders and financial institutions to extend the investigation and ensure all culprits are brought to justice.
โCitizens are urged to adopt safer digital practices, including securing communication channels, using multi-factor authentication, and remaining alert to suspicious messages, even from trusted sources. The Nigeria Police Force remains fully committed to protecting the integrity of Nigeriaโs cyberspace and ensuring that all threat actors, regardless of their status or targets, face the full weight of the law.โ
