In a decisive crackdown on financial crimes, the Nigeria Police Force has apprehended two high-profile cybercrime suspects linked to a string of sophisticated online fraud operations targeting both local and international victims. The suspects were paraded before the media on Monday following their arrest in coordinated operations across Lagos and Abuja.
According to a statement from the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the arrests were the result of months of meticulous surveillance and intelligence gathering carried out by the Police Cybercrime Unit in collaboration with other national and international law enforcement agencies.
The two suspects, whose identities are being withheld pending full court proceedings, were allegedly involved in large-scale cyber fraud, identity theft, and business email compromise schemes that defrauded multiple victims of millions of naira and foreign currencies. Forensic analysis revealed evidence of cloned websites, fake international payment platforms, and malware used to harvest sensitive data from unsuspecting individuals and organisations.
“The suspects operated under the guise of legitimate businesses, but their activities were part of a well-coordinated transnational network of cybercriminals. The arrest and arraignment of these individuals underscore our commitment to dismantling syndicates threatening Nigeria’s digital economy,” ACP Adejobi said.
The duo has been formally charged before a Federal High Court in Abuja on multiple counts, including conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, computer-related fraud, and unlawful possession of proceeds of crime. During the arraignment, prosecutors presented preliminary digital evidence recovered from laptops, mobile devices, and financial records linking the suspects to the criminal enterprise.
The court ordered their remand at a correctional facility pending the next hearing, while the police assured the public that more arrests are likely as investigations continue.
This development comes amid heightened efforts by Nigerian authorities to curb cybercrime and restore investor confidence in the country’s online financial ecosystem. The Nigeria Police Force has urged citizens to remain vigilant, report suspicious digital activities, and avoid sharing personal financial details with unverified platforms or contacts.
As Nigeria pushes forward with digital transformation and financial inclusion, law enforcement agencies are under growing pressure to adapt and act swiftly against cybercriminals exploiting digital vulnerabilities. Observers say the recent arrests mark a positive signal that the authorities are beginning to match their rhetoric with concrete action in the war against tech-enabled financial crimes.
