Police bust WhatsApp fraud syndicate targeting prominent Nigerians, freeze millions illicit funds
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Nigeria Police Force, through its National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC), has successfully dismantled a sophisticated WhatsApp fraud syndicate that hijacked accounts of high-profile Nigerians to defraud their contacts, a statement on Wednesday by the Force spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed.
Following a complaint lodged in April 2025, the cyber intelligence team traced fraudulent transactions across multiple banks, resulting in the freezing of millions of naira.
One suspect, Onajite Okoro, was arrested in Warri, Delta State, and confessed to collaborating with an accomplice known as “Chief Mallam Zaki,” who helped register SIM cards and facilitate illicit fund transfers. Investigations continue to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
The statement says, “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. The suspect confessed to collaborating with an accomplice identified as “Chief Mallam Zaki,” whom he met via Facebook, further highlighting his role in facilitating the fraudulent scheme by registering SIM cards, linking them to various bank accounts, and assisting in illicit fund transfers.
“Further analysis of Okoro’s fraudulent equipment and financial records has 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.”
However, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, emphasised the Force’s zero-tolerance policy on cybercrime and urged citizens to adopt multi-factor authentication and heightened vigilance to secure their digital transactions.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, once again emphasizes the zero-tolerance approach of the Nigeria Police Force to all sorts of crime, particularly financial and cyber-related crimes, and its readiness to respond decisively to evolving digital threats. The Force is currently working with relevant stakeholders and financial institutions to extend the investigation and ensure all culprits are brought to justice.
“Citizens are urged 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,” it added.
