Nigeria Police Arrest Suspect in Cyber Fraud Case
The Nigeria Police Force, via the National Cyber Crime Center (NPF-NCCC), has apprehended 27-year-old Aliyu Mohammed on charges of computer fraud, identity theft, and money laundering.
Lesion Leads to Police Intervention
This arrest followed a formal complaint from a university lecturer based in Akwa Ibom, whose identity remains confidential. The lecturer reported that in March 2026, he responded to a Facebook advertisement for household items posted on a page named “SHOPHOUSEHOLDITEMS.”
Fraudulent Transaction Unfolds
Following the initial contact, negotiations transitioned to WhatsApp, where the complainant was persuaded to transfer a total of N5.7 million for the merchandise. The funds were sent to various fintech bank accounts. However, after the payment was completed, the goods never arrived, and the complainant was blocked from further communication; the Facebook page used for the transaction was also abandoned.
Police Investigate and Recover Funds
In response to the complaint, NPF-NCCC officials employed technical resources and collaborated with Meta Inc. to track down the individual responsible for the fraudulent account. This investigation led to Mohammed’s arrest in Katsina State, and authorities confirmed that the total amount involved in the scam has been recovered. The investigation into this case remains ongoing.
Commitment to Combatting Cybercrime
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu expressed the Nigeria Police Force’s ongoing commitment to fighting cybercrime and safeguarding the public against online fraud. Authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution when engaging in transactions on social media. They emphasized the importance of verifying the identities of sellers and avoiding substantial payments to unverified accounts before confirming the legitimacy of purchases.
Mother and Daughter Arrested in Romance Scam
In a related development, NPF-NCCC operatives have also detained a mother and daughter for their alleged involvement in an 18 million Naira romance scam. According to DSP Imah, ongoing investigations into computer-related fraud have uncovered evidence linking Emmanuel Amanfo, a Lagos State resident currently evading capture, to his 22-year-old stepdaughter, Lokibat Oluwashei Imolu.
Fraudulent Operations Exposed
This duo is suspected of opening multiple bank accounts to facilitate fraudulent transactions, which targeted victims, including one resident of Malta. Further investigation revealed that funds were funneled through a money transfer agent and deposited directly into accounts linked to Lokibat Imolu. Once received, the money was transferred to an Ecobank account held by her mother, Ulohe Diana, reportedly for personal expenditure.
Ongoing Investigations and Community Engagement
Through forensic analysis of digital footprints, the mother-daughter pair were apprehended for their roles in romance fraud operations. Efforts are ongoing to locate the fugitive suspect, Emmanuel Amanfo, who is both the husband of Diana and the stepfather of Imolu. The police have reiterated their resolve to fortify Nigeria’s digital infrastructure against criminal activities. The NPF-NCCC Director encouraged the public to report any suspicious cybercrime activities via the Center’s official online reporting portal.
