Police Nab Two Indians, Seven Others Over Alleged Internet Fraud, Other Offences

The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has arrested nine suspects, including two Indian nationals, in connection with alleged internet fraud and other criminal offences.

The suspects were arrested in separate operations as part of ongoing investigations into cyber-related crimes, money laundering, criminal conspiracy and other offences.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the NPF-NCCC, Akaninyene Ezima, disclosed this during a news conference in Abuja.

Ezima said the arrests formed part of efforts by the police to disrupt criminal networks, strengthen digital forensic investigations and protect Nigeria’s financial and digital ecosystem.

According to him, investigations are continuing, with the police working to establish the roles of the suspects and identify other persons who may be connected to the alleged offences.

The police official said international law-enforcement agencies were also being engaged where necessary as part of the investigations.

In a separate case, the NPF-NCCC arrested suspects following a complaint involving the alleged theft and diversion of mobile devices shipped from Dubai.

The complainant had reportedly engaged a logistics company to transport 222 iPhones and 15 smart watches, with the value of the goods and associated logistics estimated at about $144,440.

Upon receiving the consignment, the complainant allegedly discovered that the mobile devices had been removed and replaced with newspapers and chargers.

Preliminary investigations reportedly indicated that a Pakistani national associated with the logistics company had absconded with the devices.

Using intelligence-led investigation and digital forensic analysis, police operatives traced some of the devices to individuals in Nigeria.

Two suspects were arrested in Ibadan and Lagos, while four of the allegedly stolen devices were recovered.

Further investigation led to the arrest of three additional suspects in Kano State, with two more devices recovered.

The police said preliminary findings suggested that some of the devices had allegedly been purchased through a dealer in Dubai.

Investigation is ongoing to recover the remaining devices, determine the roles of all individuals connected to the transaction and apprehend other suspects who may be involved.

The police said the investigations remain ongoing.