By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCC), in collaboration with the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) and insights provided by Meta, has successfully dismantled a sophisticated online investment scam network in Agbor, Delta State, resulting in the arrest of seven suspects.
An official investigation revealed that the scam centre operated through fake social media accounts, impersonating legitimate cryptocurrency traders to defraud unsuspecting investors, particularly targeting individuals in the United States and the United Kingdom. The syndicate reportedly recruited and trained young operatives in online retirement investment fraud and phishing attacks to expand its operations internationally.
The suspects, identified as Collins Ogwuorie, Christian Ogwuorie, Gbenoba Emmanuel, Samuel Olufemi, Collins Victor, Onyeka Emenem, and Kefas Ogunbor, were discovered to have managed a highly coordinated online fraud operation. Collins Ogwuorie, the alleged ringleader, reportedly procured approximately 500 social media accounts for use by his recruits, orchestrating mass spamming, impersonation, and victim engagement. The group also operated a fraudulent Facebook group titled “RETIREMENT STRATEGIES: REAL ESTATE AND MARKET INSIGHTS,” using fabricated testimonials to lure victims into financial investments.
During the raid, NPF-NCC detectives recovered 26 mobile phones, 42 SIM cards, and a laptop suspected to have been used in the commission of the crimes. Investigations are ongoing, and the public has been advised to exercise caution when engaging with online investment platforms and verify their authenticity before committing funds.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, commended the NPF-NCC and its Director, CP Uche Ifeanyi, for their exemplary work in disrupting the syndicate.
Meta, which provided intelligence to aid the operation, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in combating online scams. Sylvia Musalagani, Head of Safety Policy for Africa, Middle East, and Türkiye at Meta, said, “Scams are spiking across the internet, driven by persistent criminals and sophisticated, organized crime syndicates. This takedown demonstrates the real impact that collaboration with law enforcement can have and underscores the importance of a whole-of-society approach.”
The NPF reaffirmed its commitment to fighting cybercrime and safeguarding citizens from online financial exploitation, pledging continued vigilance in protecting Nigerians from evolving digital threats.
