The Nigeria Police Force, through its National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), has successfully uncovered and dismantled a sophisticated cyber fraud syndicate responsible for hijacking WhatsApp accounts, particularly those belonging to high-profile Nigerians, in a bid to defraud their contacts and networks.
Confirming the report, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the breakthrough followed a formal complaint lodged on April 14, 2025, prompting an immediate and coordinated cyber intelligence operation by the NPF-NCCC. Leveraging advanced digital forensics, intelligence gathering, and strategic investigative techniques, the Police traced the fraudulent activities across several financial institutions and digital platforms.
A key suspect, identified as Onajite Okoro (male), was arrested in Warri, Delta State. During interrogation, Okoro confessed to being part of a wider criminal network and revealed he had been recruited via Facebook by an accomplice known as “Chief Mallam Zaki.” According to investigators, Okoro’s role involved registering SIM cards, linking them to multiple bank accounts, and facilitating illicit fund transfers from unsuspecting victims.
A forensic analysis of devices recovered from the suspect, including mobile phones and computers, as well as a review of financial records, provided concrete evidence linking Okoro to the elaborate scam. Investigators also traced fraudulent financial transactions to multiple bank accounts, leading to the freezing of millions of naira in illicit funds.
The Police disclosed that additional members of the syndicate have been identified and are currently on the run. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend these suspects and bring them to justice. The NPF is also working in collaboration with financial institutions and telecom operators to strengthen safeguards against similar cyber threats.
In a statement released by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, reiterated the Force’s commitment to tackling financial and cyber-related crimes. He emphasized that cybercriminals will face the full weight of the law, regardless of their targets or social status.
“The Nigeria Police Force has adopted a zero-tolerance stance toward all forms of cybercrime. We are intensifying efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s digital landscape and ensure that malicious actors are held accountable,” the IGP stated.
As part of ongoing public awareness efforts, the Police also issued a strong advisory to Nigerian citizens, urging them to adopt digital safety practices to protect themselves from cybercriminals. These include:
- Activating multi-factor authentication (MFA) on social media and banking apps
- Being cautious of unsolicited messages or suspicious links, even from known contacts
- Regularly updating passwords and avoiding password reuse
- Reporting suspicious digital activities to law enforcement or certified cybercrime reporting platforms
The Police also encouraged victims of cyber fraud to promptly report incidents, noting that early reporting significantly increases the chances of recovering stolen funds and apprehending perpetrators.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s cyberspace and ensuring that emerging digital threats are met with swift and decisive action.
