NPF Busts Syndicate, Recovers Cash, Car in Fraud Crackdown

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has dismantled a cross-border fraud syndicate and arrested multiple suspects linked to cybercrime and financial fraud.

In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the police said the operation led to the arrest of a suspect who allegedly posed as a World Bank official to defraud victims.

The suspect, identified as Agbor Martins, was accused of obtaining $250,000 from two Kenyan nationals over three years under the guise of facilitating donor funding. Police said no funding was secured, while the suspect allegedly organised fake events in Nigeria and South Africa to sustain the scheme.

Investigators said the suspect was arrested on 31 March 2026, adding that his organisation was not registered in Nigeria. He was also alleged to have extended the scheme to local farmers in theFederal Capital Territory, collecting ₦50,000 from each victim.

In a separate case, the cybercrime centre arrested a former employee, Chinedu Mbachu, over alleged unauthorised access to company systems and diversion of funds. Police said the suspect admitted receiving customer payments into personal accounts. Items recovered include a mobile phone and identity documents.

The police also arrested two suspects, Ayodele Daramola and Dada Babatunde Oluwatobi, over alleged involvement in business email compromise and financial fraud.

According to the police, the suspects allegedly diverted ₦85m between May and December 2025 by exploiting internal systems and transferring funds into personal accounts. Part of the money was reportedly spent on online betting.

Items recovered from the suspects include ₦4m in cash, a vehicle, a laptop and a mobile phone.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, said Nigeria is not a safe haven for cybercriminals, adding that the force will continue to pursue offenders and safeguard the country’s digital and financial systems.

Police said investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to recover outstanding funds and prosecute those involved.