Two guys have been detained by the Nigeria Police Force’s National Cybercrime Centre in connection with an Abuja romance scam.
Jerry Okoye and Ifeanyi Nwosu were charged with identity theft and criminal conspiracy.
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force’s public relations officer, disclosed this on Thursday and claimed that the suspects’ electronic devices included evidence of the criminal activity.
Adejobi said in the statement that the NPF will not waver in its “commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our citizens by relentlessly cracking down on criminal activities such as identity theft, romance scams, sextortion and other cyber-related crimes.”
The statement read, in part, “These suspects, Jerry Okoye and Ifeanyi Nwosu, both residents of Panasonic Estate in Idu, Abuja, have confessed to their involvement in computer-related frauds involving romance schemes and identity theft. Their electronic devices contained substantial evidence that cast light on their criminal activities.
Jerry Okoye, a former student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), claimed to have been active in the music industry since 2016 and to run a public relations firm. However, he admitted to engaging in fraudulent activity beginning in 2014, primarily via Facebook. In addition, the investigation uncovered compelling evidence linking him to ongoing fraud and romance schemes.”
The Force Public Relations Officer added that the second suspect, Ifeanyi Nwosu, had engaged in “cash exchanges” with Winnie, a 69-year-old white woman.
“Similarly, Ifeanyi Nwosu, a close friend of Jerry Okoye who was apprehended alongside the first suspect, stated that he was at the residence to record music. However, he confessed to having a special relationship with Winnie, a 69-year-old white woman he identifies as both a fan and a friend.
“This relationship goes beyond a casual friendship, as evidence indicating a series of cash transactions between Ifeanyi Nwosu and the elderly woman has surfaced,” said the Force Public Affairs Officer.
Adejobi clarified that the NPF’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of citizens remains unwavering.
“We urge the general public to be vigilant and circumspect when interacting with individuals online, particularly those they have not met in person.
It added, “We call on all Nigerians and residents to actively collaborate with the Force in protecting our cyberspace and communities from these threats.” “Protecting Nigeria is a shared responsibility that must not be taken lightly.”
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