A joint operation between the Nigeria Police Force and the National Police Agency of Japan has led to the arrest of 11 suspects involved in identity theft, romance scams, and computer-related fraud targeting Japanese victims.
The crackdown followed a report received on April 3, 2024, detailing five cybercrime cases linked to 13 individuals operating from Nigeria.
A statement on Monday by the NPF spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that the NPF National Cybercrime Centre, in collaboration with Nigeria’s National Central Bureau and NCB Tokyo, launched an extensive investigation that led to the arrests.
“The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the National Police Agency of Japan, has strengthened efforts to combat cybercrime. A press briefing at the NPF-NCCC highlighted the effectiveness of this international partnership, which led to the arrest of 11 suspects involved in identity theft, romance scams, and other cyber-related fraud,” Adejobi stated.
According to him, the investigation uncovered a network that used social media platforms, particularly Instagram, to lure victims into fraudulent romantic relationships.Related News
He said the victims were deceived into transferring funds via wire transactions, which were later converted into cryptocurrency and funnelled into digital wallets in Nigeria.
Adejobi said, “The subsequent investigation led to the apprehension of eleven individuals and unveiled an extensive network that exploited social media platforms, particularly Instagram, to lure unsuspecting victims into fraudulent romantic relationships. Victims were duped into transferring funds through wire transactions, which were eventually converted into cryptocurrency and funnelled to various digital wallets in Nigeria. “
Adejobi said operatives had so far recovered $33,320 from the suspects, with ongoing efforts to trace and retrieve additional stolen funds while dismantling the syndicate.
He said, “The preliminary stages of the investigation yielded the recovery of $33,320, with ongoing efforts to reclaim additional stolen funds and dismantle the entire syndicate responsible for these crimes.”
The police in zone 5 with headquarters in Benin City, Edo state, under the able leadership of AIG Arungwa Nwazue, has declared two men, Christopher Nduka Odiakose and Leonnard Happy a.k.a.Tilome wanted in connection with conspiracy, murder in Oguwashuku, Delta state.
The zone Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Superitendent of Police, SP, Tijani disclosed that the office of the AIG will reward anyone who would give useful information that could lead to the arrest of the two men, the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira ( N500,000). He however enjoined members of the public to do so with utmost caution as “the men are dangerous”.
The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni has called for a review of the current defined pension contribution plan for Commissioners of Police and other ranks.
DIG Argungu called for the removal of Nigeria Police Force personnel from defined pension contribution to a defined pension benefit plan in line with global best practices.
He spoke today, Tuesday, February 11th 2025 at an interactive session between the Nigeria Police Force Management team and retired Police Officers where he delivered a paper titled “Systematic Systems Review of Global Issues on Retirement, Pension, Remuneration and Compensation Principles and Practices”.
The PSC Chairman noted that during employment/Recruitment interview, the issue of Potential salary and benefits package should be discussed and agreement reached.
DIG Argungu also noted that the significant wage gap between the categories of Police Specialists should be considered in line with the nation’s best practices.
He advised that the Nigeria Police Force scheme of service should be prepared in comparative analysis in the earning of individuals in different workforce of the Nigeria Police Force.
The NPF pension, he added, should have clearly defined organisational structure in line with reality and the situation in the country, stressing that this “will enable them to be effective in performing their statutory functions”.
The PSC Chairman said the Federal Government should regularly review and adjust the salary structure to reflect the current economic realities and inflation rate. This, he noted will help to reduce the wage gap and promote equity in the system.
He called for the introduction of a retention bonus in the work force-merit- based pay system that rewards performance and productivity.
DIG Argungu said this will help motivate Officers to improve their performance and contribute positively to the development of the country.
On the implementation strategies for the recommendation to work, the PSC Chairman said the Nigeria Police Force Management Team and retired Members of the Nigeria Police Officers should set up a high – powered Committee to come up with measures in ensuring the removal of the Nigeria Police Force from the contributory pension scheme to a defined benefit pension plan.
DIG Argungu said the Membership of the Committee should cut across all principal stakeholders such as Ministry of Police Affairs as Chairman; National Assembly Committee on Police Affairs, Member, Retired Police Officers, members; Members of Nigeria Labour Union, members; other Related organisations, Members and Nigeria Police Force, Secretary
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has declared four associates of Lagos drug kingpin, Alhaji Suleiman Aremu Ganiu (a.k.a Barryshine, Ejeoto) wanted for their involvement in multiple drug trafficking activities for which ‘Barryshine’ is currently facing criminal charges at a Federal High Court in Lagos. The decision to declare the suspects wanted followed an order granted to the NDLEA by Honourable Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos. Those wanted for their involvement in multiple drug trafficking activities include: Olarenwaju Ramon Abdulai (a.k.a Alhaji Loyingbo); Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye (a.k.a Igbono, Baba Eje, Ade Iwaya, Femi Iwaya); Olumuyiwa Olufemi Ilori (a.k.a Murphy) and Alate Kafy Bakare Bukki of Kaffy Travels. The court in its ruling on Tuesday 28th January 2025 following the reliefs sought by NDLEA in charge no: FHC/L/731C/2024 ordered as follows: “That an order of this Honourable Court declaring one Olarenwaju Ramon Abdulai a.k.a ‘Alhaji Loyingbo’, wanted by a public notice with their photographs conspicuously displayed, who are presently at large for their involvement in multiple drug trafficking activities with Suleiman Aremu a.k.a ‘Barryshine’, ‘Ejeoto’ is hereby granted. “That an Order declaring one Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye a.k.a ‘Igbono’, ‘Baba Eje’, Iwaya’, ‘Femi Iwaya’, wanted by a public notice with their photographs conspicuously displayed, who are presently at large for their involvement in multiple drug trafficking activities with Suleiman Aremu Ganiu a.k.a ‘Barryshine’, ‘Ejeoto’ is hereby granted.
“That an Order declaring one Olumuyiwa Olufemi Ilori a.k.a ‘Murphy’, wanted by a public notice with his photograph conspicuously displayed, who is presently at large for his involvement in multiple drug trafficking activities with Suleiman Aremu Ganiu a.k.a ‘Barryshine’, ‘Ejeoto’ is hereby granted. “That an Order declaring one Alate Kafy Zakare Bukki of Kaffy Travels wanted by a public notice with her photograph conspicuously displayed, who is presently at large for her involvement in the drug trafficking activities with Suleiman Aremu Ganiu a.k.a ‘Barryshine’, ‘Ejeoto’ is hereby granted.” The leader of the gang, Suleiman Ganiu Aremu (a.k.a Barryshine) was arrested on 26th August 2024 two years after coming under the radar of the anti-narcotics Agency. Suleiman who is the Managing Director/CEO of Barryshine Suleiman Nigeria Ltd came under the Agency’s watchlist over his alleged role in four foiled attempts to export cocaine to Saudi Arabia and Qatar through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos between 2022 and 2024. Many of his mules have since been arrested by NDLEA, prosecuted and convicted. He is currently facing multiple criminal charges at a Federal High Court in Lagos. Members of the public with any information on the whereabouts of the four wanted suspects are encouraged to contact the nearest NDLEA Command, call our toll free helpline: 080010203040 or send direct messages to any of our social media accounts: @ndlea_nigeria on Instagram, X, Tiktok and @ndlea01 on Facebook or @ndleatv on Youtube
The Nigeria Police Force has agreed to comply with the ruling of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja, regarding 92 officers who were forcefully retired before reaching the statutory retirement age.
The affected officers, who were members of Course 33, 34, and 35 of the Nigeria Police Academy, were retired in 2021 despite not attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60 or completing 35 years in service.
Dissatisfied with their forced retirement, the officers challenged the decision in court.
In April 2022, the NICN ruled in their favour, ordering their reinstatement.
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However, the Inspector General of Police, the Police Service Commission, and the Secretary of the Police Force allegedly failed to implement the judgment.
Frustrated by the non-compliance, the officers returned to court, seeking a contempt order against the IGP for disobeying the ruling.
Following this, the police directed the affected officers to report to Abuja in August 2024 for documentation, a step believed to be a precursor to their reinstatement.
However, after the documentation process, no further action was taken.
Last week, during a committal proceeding at the NICN, the officers’ lawyer, Mr. Adeleke Agbola (SAN), urged the court to enforce the reinstatement order pending the hearing of the contempt case.
“This is a contempt proceeding. Some urgent issues have arisen since we filed this application. The PSC issued a circular stating that the officers’ initial date of entry into the police force—not their entry into the academy—would be used to calculate their service years.
“ However, the court had ruled that their service years should be calculated from their academy entry date. There is no appeal against this judgment. I urge the court to maintain the status quo until the committal proceedings determine whether there has been a breach of the judgment,” Agbola argued.
Responding, counsel for the Nigeria Police Force, Mr. Ade Adedeji (SAN), assured the court that steps were being taken to comply with the ruling.
He confirmed that the judgment had not been challenged and pledged that the police would abide by the court’s decision.
“We have taken steps to obey the court’s judgment. There is no appeal against it; it is final. The circular in question does not affect the claimants and does not prejudice any party in this matter. All the affected officers have been posted. I give an undertaking that the police will comply with the judgment and uphold the rule of law,” Adedeji stated.
Attempts by two drug kingpins to smuggle into Nigeria consignments of heroin through the Port Harcourt International Airport and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, have been foiled by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA. One of the kingpins who uses dual identities to aid his cross border movements, has a Nigerian passport with his original name: Onyekwonike Elochuckwu Sylvanus, 30, and that of Sierra Leone with a different name: Kargbo Mohamed Foday. He was intercepted by NDLEA officers with his Sierra Leonean passport on Sunday 2nd February 2025 at the Port Harcourt airport, Rivers state during the inward clearance of passengers on Qatar Airways flight from Doha through Abuja to Port Harcourt.
He was subsequently taken for body scan which confirmed he ingested illicit drugs and thereafter placed under excretion observation during which he expelled a total of 62 wraps of heroin in five excretions, weighing 1.348 kilograms. Investigation reveals Onyekwonike Elochuckwu Sylvanus (alias Kargbo Mohamed Foday) alternates his two identities for different drug trafficking missions between Thailand, Pakistan, Iran and West African countries. He claimed to have gone full time into the illicit drug trade in 2017 when his clothing and shoe business went down.
The second kingpin, James Herbert Chinoso, 48, was arrested by NDLEA operatives at the Lagos airport on Saturday 1st February upon his arrival from Madagascar via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on an Ethiopian Airlines flight. After a body scan confirmed illicit drug in his system, he was placed under excretion observation during which he egested 63 wraps of heroin with a total weight of 909 grams. Chinoso had left Lagos to Madagascar on 26th January 2025 and returned via Addis Ababa after spending a week. He claimed to have gone into the criminal trade after his phone accessories business in Liberia collapsed.
Two parcels of 2.82 kilograms of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis imported from the United States with Lagos as destination were equally intercepted by NDLEA operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, DOGI, at a courier firm in Lagos on Thursday 6th February. In another interdiction operation same day but in a different logistics company in Lagos, anti-narcotics officers intercepted 80 ampoules of pentazocine injection 225grams concealed in cartons heading to Canada. In Kano, NDLEA operatives on Monday 3rd February arrested the duo of Usaini Salisu and Yahaya Mu’azu, both 23 years old, at Gadar Tamburawa along Zaria road, where 15,396 pills of tramadol were recovered from a gas cylinder used to conceal the consignment. In another operation same day, operatives nabbed a female suspect, Choima Okeke, 35, with 27 blocks of skunk, a strain of cannabis weighing 15kg, at Sabon Gari area of Kano.
A consignment of 12,800 pills of tramadol 250mg going to Shuwarin in Jigawa state, was intercepted by NDLEA officers on patrol along Kabba-Obajana highway in Kogi state on Saturday 8th February with a suspect, Salisu Basiru, 33, arrested. Similarly, no fewer than 65 parcels of Colorado, a strong synthetic strain of cannabis with a total weight of 1.600kg also heading to Jigawa state, were recovered from another suspect, Rufai Hassan, 32 at the same check point same day.
With the same vigour, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Saint Secondary School, Abakaliki, Ebonyi; Taangayar Malam Abubakar Bichi, an Almajiri school, Bichi, Kano; Federal Government Girls College, Calabar, Cross River; College of Nursing and Science, Birnin Kebbi; and Meiran Community Junior Secondary School, Abule Egba, Lagos state among others. While commending the officers and men of MMIA, PHIA, DOGI, Kano and Kogi Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts are well appreciated.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin, and Adam Yusuf, a Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kogi State.The duo were arrested over the alleged diversion of more than ₦3 billion in public funds.Both men are expected to face prosecution for their involvement in the fraudulent activities.In a statement issued on Friday, Demola Bakare, ICPC’s Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, confirmed the arrests, noting that Yusuf, who had been evading authorities, was finally apprehended at his residence in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
The commission’s investigation revealed that Jibrin allegedly orchestrated the fraud through Yusuf and another associate, former Brigadier General Ishaya Bauka Gangum.The scheme reportedly involved the use of 92 fictitious companies, which were not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), to divert public funds.Yusuf allegedly acted as a front for Jibrin, facilitating suspicious financial transactions that led to the acquisition of high-value properties.Intelligence reports suggest that some of the stolen funds were used to purchase real estate abroad, including properties in Dubai, through proxies.The legal dispute over the illegally acquired properties dates back to 2019, when a Federal High Court issued an interim forfeiture order on assets linked to Jibrin and Yusuf.However, in July 2022, the court vacated the order, ruling that the ICPC had failed to provide sufficient evidence.
The commission appealed the ruling, arguing that it was unreasonable and unsupported by available evidence.ICPC’s investigation has traced the diverted funds to companies such as Lahab Integrated and Gate Coast Properties, which were used to acquire at least 18 properties.Four of these properties have been forfeited to the federal government, while legal proceedings over the remaining assets continue.
The ICPC is also intensifying efforts to arrest other suspects who are still at large.Jibrin, who served as the 21st Chief of Naval Staff from 2014 to 2015, has faced multiple corruption allegations since leaving office:In 2024, the Federal High Court issued an arrest warrant for him in connection with a new ₦1.5 billion money laundering case filed by the ICPC.He was previously linked to another ₦600 million money laundering case.
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has revealed that the commission recovered over ₦20 billion siphoned through fraudulent ghost workers’ pension schemes in 2024.Dr. Aliyu explained that the ICPC uncovered the fraudulent insertion of workers in some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) as part of its preventive activities.The ICPC Chairman made this disclosure during the “Editors’ Breakfast Meeting with ICPC Chairman,” an interactive session organized by the ICPC for media executives, in Abuja.He emphasized that the fight against corruption cannot be waged by anti-graft agencies alone, stressing the need for collective efforts to drive national progress. Highlights of the Chairman’s briefing include but are not limited to the following areas.
Commitment to Due Process and the Rule of Law. According to Dr. Aliyu, the ICPC has adopted a strategic communication approach in line with the 1999 Constitution and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act. This ensures that while the Commission remains strict and diligent in its operations, it upholds the rule of law and human dignity.“Over the years, ICPC has followed a communication strategy guided by Section 36 and Section 27(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. These legal provisions safeguard suspects’ rights. While we remain firm and meticulous in our duties, we are equally committed to upholding the rule of law and human dignity,” he stated.Dr. Aliyu also underscored the importance of responsible information dissemination, particularly in safeguarding informants and preserving the integrity of ongoing investigations.“In matters of enforcement, we share verified information through reports, newsletters, press releases, our website, and social media.
However, we ensure that the identities of informants are protected and that the integrity of our investigations is not compromised,” he added.Strategic Action Plan and Media Engagement. The ICPC Chairman noted that the Commission is not seeking public validation but rather remains focused on delivering measurable results based on its Strategic Action Plan (2024-2028).“We want our work to be evaluated based on our performance standards, not the need for attention or approval. Our commitment is to provide accurate information without exaggeration or self-promotion. Additionally, we pledge to respond promptly to media inquiries while adhering to legal and ethical guidelines,” he affirmed.Dr. Aliyu further disclosed that the ICPC is collaborating with reputable civil society organizations to implement a Corruption Prevention Program for Local Governments.The initiative aims to promote proactive disclosure of financial, procurement, and corruption-related information at the grassroots level.Call for Media Collaboration. Recognizing the media as a vital stakeholder in the anti-corruption fight, Dr. Aliyu urged journalists to work closely with the ICPC to enhance public awareness and amplify the commission’s programs.In his opening remarks, Professor Sule Ya’u Sule, fnipr, a lecturer in Strategic Communication and Public Relations at Bayero University, Kano, and a vice president of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), commended the ICPC for the initiative, stressed the need for his colleagues to support the Commission’s mission by reporting credible and timely information.Similarly, Mrs. Hussaina Banshika, mni, Director at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and Deputy Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), expressed gratitude for the engagement.
She urged the ICPC Chairman to institutionalize regular interactions with the media to foster greater synergy and collaboration in the fight against corruption.
Lagos State Taskforce today arrested twelve suspected land grabbers for allegedly terrorizing occupants of NERDC Road, Alausa, Ikeja.
The suspects were arrested following a report that they were obstructing lawful occupants of the area from carrying out their legitimate activities.
The suspects were also reported to have assaulted one Mr. Ashafa of Prestige Hotel, Ikeja, while wielding dangerous weapons.
The Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, who personally arrested the 12 suspects warned all land grabbers that the agency would not allow Lagosians get cheated out of their landed property or structure.
The Police Service Commission has approved the appointment of Commissioners of Police for Taraba and Anambra State Commands.The Commission approved the appointment of Chukwudi Chris Ariekpere from Abia State as the new Commissioner of Police for Taraba State.
He takes over from CP Peter Oparah while Livingstein Ikioye Orutugu from Bayelsa State takes over the Anambra State Command from Obong Nnache Itam.The Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, mni said the new Commissioners should quickly settle down to their new duty posts and ensure there is no gap that may necessitate a break down of law and order.He charged the new CPs to be dedicated and committed to duty and to assist ensure that Nigeria is freed of the menace of bandits and deviants. He said the Commission will continue to monitor their conduct and assist ensure they succeed in their new duty posts.The Commission’s decision has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for immediate implementation