Nigeria Police INTERPOL Unit Arrests Canadian, Nigerian Suspects in Major Financial and Cybercrime Cases

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Abuja, Nigeria — In a decisive crackdown on transnational financial and cybercrime, the Nigeria Police Force INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja has apprehended two high-profile suspects involved in major fraud and cyber-related offenses, reinforcing the nation’s resolve to tackle complex financial crimes head-on.

Canadian National Arrested in $210,000 Investment Fraud

In one of the cases, INTERPOL NCB Abuja arrested Robert Harms, a Canadian citizen, linked to an elaborate fraudulent investment scheme targeting Tepison Enterprises, a company based in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

According to police reports, the scheme began in June 2023, when Harms—introduced to Tepison Enterprises via a Polaris Bank account officer—allegedly persuaded the company to invest in a fictitious Waste-to-Energy project purportedly based in Canada. The victim company transferred $210,000 to Harms under the guise of securing a “capital project bond” with a promised return of $30,000 within four weeks—a return that never materialized.

Further investigations revealed Harms had fabricated a bogus Project Bridge Loan Agreement and routed the funds through Allah Mai Girma Bureau de Change in Abuja to an offshore account in Dubai. Additionally, he falsely claimed to represent VDQ-NRG Systems Limited, a Canadian firm whose CEO categorically denied any affiliation with him.

Harms was intercepted by INTERPOL operatives on February 7, 2025, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while attempting to flee to Canada. During interrogation, Harms admitted to receiving the funds and acknowledged violating the terms of the investment agreement. He was formally charged at the Federal High Court in Uyo on April 22, 2025, arraigned on May 9, and remanded at the Uyo Custodial Centre. The case has been adjourned to May 20, 2025.

Cybercrime Fugitive Re-Arrested After Bail Jump

In a separate operation, INTERPOL NCB Abuja successfully re-arrested Ms. Okeke Ogechi Njaka, a fugitive wanted for a catalogue of cybercrime offenses, including cyberbullying, cyberstalking, obtaining money under false pretences, cheating, and criminal breach of trust.

Njaka’s case dates back to a 2020 petition by Hajia Maryam Shehu, represented by legal firm M.I. Tsav & Co. Investigations found Njaka to be deeply involved in malicious online activities, including distributing nude photos and videos of her victims via multiple social media platforms. She was declared wanted in 2021 through a Special Police Gazette Bulletin and initially arrested in January 2025 in Anambra State. However, she absconded after jumping administrative bail.

After months of intelligence-driven surveillance, Njaka was re-arrested on May 8, 2025, at a hideout in Abuja. She is scheduled to be arraigned before the Federal High Court on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

NGO Faces Prosecution in N452 Million Scam

Njaka’s non-governmental organisation, Ogechi Helping Hands Foundation, is also under legal scrutiny for its alleged role in a massive medical assistance scam. The foundation, in collaboration with Emeka Ezeogbo and Tolotolo Family Foundation, is accused of fraudulently obtaining N452,821,982 and is currently facing prosecution before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Police Reaffirm Commitment to Tackling Financial Crimes

In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Nigeria Police reiterated its unwavering commitment to fighting all forms of transnational financial and cybercrime. Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, urged citizens to exercise due diligence when entering into international financial agreements and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement.

The recent arrests, the statement emphasized, are part of a broader strategic initiative to dismantle complex fraud networks and protect Nigerian citizens and businesses from international financial predators.

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