By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has achieved a major breakthrough in its fight against cyber-enabled financial crimes with the conviction of one Mr. David Udensik, also known as Dr. Jacob Bello, who was found guilty of orchestrating an international oil-related fraud scheme valued at over one million United States dollars.
In an official statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the conviction followed a detailed petition lodged by a United States–based energy firm, which alleged that the suspect fraudulently obtained funds under the guise of facilitating legitimate crude oil transactions in Nigeria.
According to the police, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) launched an intensive investigation into the allegations, uncovering a complex criminal network that operated between 2018 and 2023. Investigators discovered that Udensik forged several documents purportedly originating from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other regulatory bodies to deceive the foreign company into transferring substantial sums of money for non-existent oil deals.
Forensic analysis conducted by cybercrime experts revealed that all the documents, seals, and authentication materials presented by the suspect were fabricated. Tracing the movement of funds, detectives established that the proceeds of the fraudulent transactions were diverted into multiple bank accounts controlled by the suspect and his associates.
Following the completion of the investigation, the case was diligently prosecuted before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where, on October 22, 2025, the court found Mr. Udensik guilty on multiple counts of Forgery, Obtaining by False Pretence, and Money Laundering. In its judgment, the court ordered the forfeiture of assets valued at several hundreds of millions of naira including luxury real estate and other properties acquired with the illicit proceeds to ensure restitution to the defrauded U.S. company.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, commended the officers and men of the NPF-NCCC for their outstanding professionalism, dedication, and perseverance in ensuring a watertight investigation and successful prosecution.
He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s economic and corporate systems, stressing that the Force remains resolute in pursuing cyber-enabled financial criminals, irrespective of their influence, location, or network of collaborators.
“This conviction is a testament to our capacity to investigate complex international crimes and deliver justice. The Nigeria Police Force will continue to strengthen collaboration with global partners and employ cutting-edge forensic tools to track, apprehend, and prosecute offenders who exploit Nigeria’s image and economy for criminal gain,” the IGP stated.
