The Nigeria Police Force Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) has uncovered a major bank fraud involving over N713 million and apprehended suspects linked to a sophisticated syndicate responsible for diverting funds from customers’ accounts.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the breakthrough followed a complaint by a financial institution which reported a series of unauthorised debits traced to security breaches associated with a third-party platform.
Acting on the complaint, operatives of the PSFU deployed advanced investigative and digital forensic techniques, revealing that fifteen customers’ accounts had been compromised.
The funds were subsequently channelled through a network of accounts in a coordinated laundering scheme. The operation led to the arrest of two suspects, Oguntoyinbo Olawale and Kazeem Omokayode.
Further investigations established that the suspects conspired with one Linda, a Chinese national currently at large, to use personal identification details, including Bank Verification Number (BVN), National Identification Number (NIN), and other credentials, to open multiple bank accounts across various financial institutions. These accounts were then used to receive, conceal, and launder illicit proceeds.
The suspects in custody are to be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, commended officers of the Police Special Fraud Unit for their efforts and reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to combating financial and cyber-enabled crimes.
In a related development, the Inspector-General of Police reiterated his commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all citizens to freely and peacefully exercise their franchise before, during, and after the 2027 elections.
The IGP made this known while hosting the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, and his delegation at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
According to the Force Spokesperson, the INEC leadership visited Louis Edet House to formalise a strategic roadmap for peaceful elections.
In his remarks, Professor Amupitan, SAN, underscored the urgent need for proactive security measures and specialised training for personnel.
He particularly advocated for a secure environment that ensures Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) can exercise their constitutional franchise without fear or hindrance.
The IGP assured that all officers deployed for election duties would be strictly guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act. He emphasised that personnel are undergoing rigorous training on rules of engagement and the protection of human rights.
