THE Nigeria Police Force’s National Cybercrime Centre has detained two guys in Abuja in connection with a romance fraud.
Jerry Okoye and Ifeanyi Nwosu, the duo, were charged with criminal conspiracy and identity theft.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed today that proof of the illicit acts was found on the suspects’ electronic devices.
Adejobi noted in the statement that the NPF will not relent 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 parts, “These suspects, namely Jerry Okoye and Ifeanyi Nwosu, both residents of Panasonic Estate in Idu, Abuja, have confessed to their participation in computer-related frauds associated with romance scams and identity theft. Substantial evidence from their electronic devices has shed light on their criminal activities.
“Jerry Okoye, a former student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), claimed to have been in the music industry since 2016 and operates a public relations company. However, he confessed to engaging in fraudulent activities dating back to 2014, primarily through Facebook. The investigation also uncovered compelling evidence, linking him to fraud and romance scams, extending up to the present day.”
The Force PRO added that the second suspect, Ifeanyi Nwosu, had been involved in “cash exchanges” with a 69-year-old white woman identified as Winnie.
“Similarly, Ifeanyi Nwosu, a close associate of Jerry Okoye, who was arrested along with the first suspect, claimed that his visit to the residence was for music recording purposes. 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 Ifeanyi Nwosu and the elderly woman have come to light,” the Force PRO stated.
Adejobi explained that the NPF remains unwavering in its commitment.
“We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and cautious when interacting with individuals online, especially those they have not met in person.
It added, “We call upon all Nigerians and residents to actively collaborate with the Force in securing our cyber-space and protecting our communities from these menaces. Safeguarding Nigeria is a collective responsibility that must not be trivialised.”
