The Nigeria Police Force, through its National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC), has uncovered a syndicate involved in multi-million naira cyber fraud scheme by hijacking several WhatsApp accounts of citizens and arrested the main suspect, Onajite Okoro, in Warri, Delta State.
The NPF Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the fraudulent scheme targeted prominent figures, with subsequent attempts to defraud their contacts.
According to the statement, the operation followed an official complaint lodged on April 14, 2025, “A swift and strategic response by the NPF-NCCC’s cyber intelligence team led to the unmasking of a calculated scheme built around mobile platform compromise and social engineering tactics.
“Through 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 ‘m’, was apprehended in Warri, Delta State.”
ACP Adejobi stated that the Okoro confessed to collaborating with an accomplice identified as Chief Mallam Zaki, whom he met via Facebook, explaining that it further highlights his role in facilitating the fraudulent scheme by registering SIM cards, linking them to various bank accounts, and assisting in illicit fund transfers.
The spokesperson mentioned that further analysis of the suspect’s fraudulent equipment and financial records 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,” he added.
Reacting to the discovery of the scheme, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, emphasised the Force’s zero-tolerance stance on all forms of crime, particularly financial and cyber-related offences.
IGP Egbetokun reiterated the NPF’s readiness to respond decisively to evolving digital threats and affirmed that the security agency is currently working with relevant stakeholders and financial institutions to expand the investigation and bring all culprits to justice.
He urged citizens 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 Nigeria’s cyberspace and ensuring that all threat actors, regardless of their status or targets, face the full weight of the law,” the statement added.
