In a significant boost to the fight against transnational and other fraudulent activities, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested a Canadian identified as Robert Harms, and a Nigerian, Okeke Ogechi Njaka, for investment scam and cybercrime.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made this known in a statement on Tuesday.
Adejobi disclosed that the arrests were made by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, noting that both apprehensions underscore the NPF’s commitment to tackling financial and cyber-related threats.
“Following a meticulous investigation, INTERPOL NCB Abuja successfully apprehended Robert Harms, a Canadian national, in connection with a fraudulent investment scheme targeting Tepison Enterprises, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
“The investigation was initiated following a formal petition by the company. The complainant alleged that Harms, introduced through a Polaris Bank account officer in June 2023, fraudulently induced them to invest in a fictitious Waste-to-Energy Project in Canada. Under this pretence, Tepison Enterprises transferred $210,000 to secure a fabricated “capital project bond,” with promises of a $30,000 return within four weeks, returns which never materialised.
“Investigations revealed that Harms fabricated a fraudulent Project Bridge Loan Agreement and orchestrated the transfer of funds to an account in Dubai through Allah Mai Girma Bureau de Change in Abuja. Further inquiries confirmed that Harms had no legitimate affiliation with VDQ-NRG Systems Limited, the Canadian company he falsely claimed to represent, the CEO of VDQ-NRG Systems Limited when contacted denied any knowledge of or association with Harms,” the statement partly reads.
The spokesperson revealed that Harms was apprehended by INTERPOL operatives on February 7, 2025, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while attempting to flee to Canada.
He said that Harms admitted to receiving the funds and violating the investment agreement.
“Formal criminal charges were filed at the Federal High Court, Uyo, on April 22, 2025. Harms was arraigned on May 9, 2025, and remanded at the Uyo Custodial Centre. The case has been adjourned to May 20, 2025.”
In another operation, INTERPOL NCB Abuja re-arrested Njaka, who is wanted for series of cybercrimes and fraud-related offences, including cyberbullying, cyberstalking, obtaining money under false pretences, cheating, and criminal breach of trust.
“The case against Njaka was initiated in September 2020, following a report filed by Hajia Maryam Shehu, represented by M.I. Tsav & Co. Legal Practitioners & Notaries Public, Abuja. Investigations revealed Njaka’s active involvement in cyberstalking and cyberbullying through multiple social media platforms, where she maliciously distributed nude photos and videos of her victims.
“Njaka was declared wanted via a Special Police Gazette Bulletin issued in 2021. She was initially arrested in Anambra State on January 4, 2025, but subsequently absconded after jumping administrative bail. Persistent intelligence-led efforts led to her re-arrest on May 8, 2025, in her hideout in Abuja. Njaka will be arraigned before the Federal High Court on Tuesday, May 13, 2025,” the statement noted.
Similarly, Njaka’s non-governmental organisation, Ogechi Helping Hands Foundation, is facing prosecution for allegedly obtaining ₦452,821,982 million in a medical assistance scam before the Federal High Court Abuja, along with Emeka Ezeogbo and Tolotolo Family Foundation.
The security agency, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP kayode Egbetokun, reiterated its unyielding resolve to combat all forms of transnational financial crimes.
It urged members of the public to exercise utmost caution and due diligence before entering into high-value international agreements, and to promptly report any suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies.
