Police arrest ex-UNN student, one other for romance scam in Abuja

The officers of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre have arrested a former student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in Enugu State, and one other over criminal conspiracy, identity theft, and romance scam in Abuja.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made the disclosure in a statement on Thursday, October 5, 2023.

He said the arrest of the suspects was in furtherance of the matching order of the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to bequeath a safer cyberspace to Nigerians.

Adejobi said the suspects, residents of Panasonic Estate in the Idu area of Abuja, have confessed to their participation in computer-related fraud, associated with romance scams and identity theft.

The police spokesman said substantial evidence from their electronic devices shed light on their criminal activities.

He said one of the suspects, a former UNN student, Jerry Okoye, claimed to have been in the music industry since 2016 and also operates a public relations company.

Adejobi said the suspect had confessed to being engaged in fraudulent activities since 2014 through Facebook.

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The police spokesperson added that an investigation also uncovered compelling evidence linking him to fraud and romance scams to date.

He said the two suspects were close associates, adding that the second suspect, Ifeanyi Nwosu, was arrested alongside the first suspect.

Adejobi said the second suspect had claimed that his visit to the residence of the first suspect was for music recording purposes.

Adejobi stated: “However, he admitted to having a unique connection with a 69-year-old white woman, known as Winnie, whom he identifies as both a fan and a friend.

“This connection goes beyond casual friendship as evidence indicating a series of cash exchanges between him and the elderly woman have come to light.”

He further pledged the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensuring the safety and security of citizens by relentlessly cracking down on criminal activities.

He, therefore, urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and cautious when interacting with individuals online, especially those they have not met in person.

The Star