April 02, (THEWILL) — The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 2 Command Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, has dismantled a cyber fraud syndicate while arresting three suspects allegedly involved in cybercrime, forgery, impersonation, and cultism.
The arrests were confirmed by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, Olohundare Jimoh, in a statement released on Thursday by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Gbenga Afolayan.
AIG Jimoh said the operation was part of sustained efforts to combat fraud-related offences in Lagos and Ogun states. The suspects, aged 24, 33, and 36, were apprehended following an intelligence-led operation by the Zonal Intelligence Department (ZID) on January 7, around the Lekki-Ajah axis of Lagos.
“The 24-year-old suspect was initially intercepted along Chevron Drive while driving a Porsche vehicle. He confessed to involvement in cybercrime activities. A subsequent search of his residence led to the arrest of the two other suspects”, Jimoh stated.
Investigations revealed that each suspect played a distinct role in the cyber fraud network. The 24-year-old coordinated cyber fraud operations and created fraudulent accounts; the 33-year-old managed financial transactions and illicit fund collections; while the 36-year-old executed cryptocurrency-related scams through Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, and online banking channels.
During the operation, police recovered several incriminating items, including three HP laptops, one Apple MacBook, two tablets, and nine iPhones. They also seized six international passports, Lagos State vehicle number plates (LSR 235 JM, FKJ 558 JK), three dealer plate numbers, military camouflage, a mini printer, and a toy gun. Additionally, 98 pieces of suspected counterfeit 100-dollar notes, as well as suspected Indian hemp and smoking paraphernalia, were recovered.
AIG Jimoh added that investigations are ongoing in collaboration with relevant agencies to verify the counterfeit currency and examine the suspected illicit drugs. He assured that the suspects would be prosecuted upon completion of investigations and emphasised that efforts are underway to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its mission to safeguard the public and ensure that cybercriminals face the full weight of the law”, Jimoh said, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to intensifying the fight against cybercrime and fraud-related offences across its jurisdiction.
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