The suspect was arrested at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on December 6, 2024, upon his return from the United States. According to EFCC officials, Otukpa used multiple aliases, including Ford Thompson, Oscar Donald Tyler, Michael Haye, Jose Vitto, and Kristin Davidson, to establish trust and lure his victims via social media platforms.
The fraudulent scheme operated by presenting Liquid Asset Group as a legitimate cryptocurrency investment platform with promises of high returns on investments. Victims were persuaded to deposit funds, which Otukpa allegedly diverted into his personal accounts through a global cryptocurrency exchange platform.
EFCC spokesperson disclosed that the operation to apprehend Otukpa was part of a targeted investigation into international fraud syndicates exploiting digital platforms for criminal activities. “His arrest followed an intensive stakeout based on credible intelligence, and he was intercepted immediately upon his arrival in Lagos,” the statement read.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Otukpa maintained multiple bank accounts where proceeds of the scam were routed. The EFCC is currently analyzing digital and financial evidence linked to his activities to build a watertight case.
“The suspect will face prosecution as soon as the ongoing investigation is concluded,” the EFCC assured. The commission reiterated its commitment to curbing cybercrime and protecting both Nigerian and international victims of fraud.
This arrest is another significant step in the EFCC’s efforts to dismantle online fraud networks and enforce accountability for financial crimes in Nigeria.
