The Nigeria Police Force, through its National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC), has uncovered and disrupted a sophisticated cyber fraud syndicate behind the hijacking of multiple WhatsApp accounts—many belonging to high-profile Nigerians—with the aim of defrauding their contacts.
The breakthrough came following a formal complaint lodged on April 14, 2025. The NPF-NCCC’s cyber intelligence team responded swiftly, uncovering a scheme rooted in mobile device compromise and social engineering techniques.
Police spokesperson ACP Muyiwa Adejobi confirmed the arrest of one suspect, Onajite Okoro, in Warri, Delta State. Okoro confessed to collaborating with an accomplice known as “Chief Mallam Zaki,” whom he met via Facebook. He reportedly played a key role in the scheme by registering SIM cards, linking them to various bank accounts, and aiding in the transfer of illicit funds.
Advanced digital forensics led investigators to trace fraudulent transactions across several Nigerian banks, resulting in the freezing of accounts holding millions of naira. Analysis of the suspect’s devices and financial records provided concrete evidence of his involvement. Other syndicate members remain at large.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects and bring them to justice.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s zero-tolerance policy toward cybercrime, emphasizing its commitment to tackling emerging digital threats in partnership with financial institutions and relevant stakeholders.
The Police urged Nigerians to adopt safer digital practices—such as enabling multi-factor authentication and staying vigilant against suspicious messages—to help protect themselves against online fraud.
