Nigeria Police Force Shuts Down Cybercrime Training Hub, Arrests 6 Suspects

In a significant stride against cybercrime and cyber-related offenses, the Nigeria Police Force’s National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) has successfully uncovered and dismantled a sophisticated cybercrime syndicate operating in a Cybercrime recruitment and mentoring hub in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This information was contained in a press statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Acp Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

The investigation and operation were initiated in response to a series of intelligence reports that indicated a deep involvement of the syndicate in various cybercrimes, including Business Email Compromise, Romance Scams, and High Yield Investment Program Fraud. A team of Cybercrime Forensic Experts and Investigators was detailed on the case, with painstaking efforts expended on the investigation, leading to the arrest of six (6) suspects at their hideout in the Dantata estate area of the FCT on the 13th of September, 2023. The suspects, identified as Bernard Joseph aged 27, Emmanuel Joseph aged 22, Obasi Ikechukwu aged 19, Anijiofor Tobechuckwu aged 26, Andrew Moses aged 19, and Israel Ezekiel aged 19, confessed to their various degrees of involvement in cybercrime, including identity theft, hacking, trading of hacked Facebook accounts, romance scams, computer-related forgery, and other computer-related fraud punishable under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. The investigation is ongoing, and efforts to apprehend the fleeing members of this criminal network are underway. The arrested suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

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• Nigeria Police Force Shuts Down Cybercrime Training Hub, Arrests 6 Suspects

Inspector General of Police Ag. IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, NPM, Ph.D., reiterated the commitment of the Force to combatting crime at all fronts irrespective of its dynamics. He directed the Director, NPF-NCCC, Uche Ifeanyi Henry, to take no break in ensuring the safety of individuals and enterprises online. He also urged parents, wards, thought leaders, and social/religious institutions to condemn this menace and partner with the Police in ensuring a safer digital space for all. In addition, the NPF urged landlords/landladies and facility owners to expose any cybercrime recruitment center and mentoring hubs noticed in their areas or houses. The Nigeria Police Force, therefore, counts on your support and unwavering commitment in tackling crimes and criminality in the country.

Members of the public are enjoined to remain vigilant and report any suspicious online activities through the dedicated e-reporting portal at http://incb.npf.gov.ng or via email at policecyberunit@pf.cybersecurity.gov.ng.