Police Arraign 113 Foreign Nationals for Cybercrime, Immigration Offences

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the arraignment of 113 foreign nationals for several violations, including cybercrime and immigration offences.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Monday, the suspects were arrested on November 3, 2024 in Jahi, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

ACP Adejobi revealed that during investigation, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force – National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) recovered a vast array of digital critical evidence, believed to be instrumental in the syndicate’s cybercrime operations.

Recovered items from the suspects include 1 Black Toyota Tundra vehicle, laptops of different makes, smartphones of various brands, tablets, desktops, computers and keyboards, Harman/Kardon sound system, MTN routers, Huawei routers, Airtel routers, D-Link routers and Starlink routers.

Others are gamepads, 1 Sony PlayStation 5, a central processing unit, multiple SIM cards from both local international service providers, high-capacity servers, drones and specialized cyber equipment, international passports, identity cards, and travel documents.

The police spokesperson stated that the assets recovered are suspected to have been used in executing a range of cybercrime activities, including unauthorised data breaches, marketing scams and other cybercrime activities, adding that the scale and sophistication of the operation highlights the increasing global threat posed by cybercriminal syndicates operating across borders.

“As a follow-up to the investigation and recoveries, compiled with credible evidence against the suspects, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), has arraigned the 113 foreign nationals facing serious charges, including computer-related fraud, unlawful access to data, marketing scams, money laundering, conspiracy, and illegal immigration, before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

“The arraignment of these suspects follows extensive investigations that have uncovered the alleged involvement of these individuals in criminal activities spanning both cybercrime, immigration offences and human trafficking networks,” he said.

While commending the police operatives attached to the Zone 7 Command and the NPF-NCCC, Abuja for bursting the foreign nationals involved in the series of cybercrimes, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun reaffirmed the capabilities and expertise of the NPF in tackling cybercrimes and protecting cyberspace in Nigeria and beyond.

IGP Egbetokun also reiterated the commitment of the security agency to leverage the emerging technological advancement to protect the citizens of Nigeria, both physically and in the digital space.

This, he said, further emphasises that the police is well-dedicated and well-equipped to combat cases of cybercrime in the country.

The police restated that it will continue to work closely with international law enforcement agencies and embassies to track and prosecute cybercriminals, combat cybercrime and other forms of transnational criminal activity, and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable under Nigerian law.