The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) has apprehended four suspects involved in a notorious sextortion and romance scam.
The suspects, identified as Abodunrin Rasheed, Abodunrin Tunde, and Abodunrin Rokeeb, were arrested following a report submitted via the NPF-NCCC E-Reporting portal and intelligence gathered by the Center.
The investigation revealed a troubling scheme where the suspects, posing as a woman, connected with a Croatian national on a dating app.
Their interactions quickly escalated to private messaging platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp, leading to an intimate relationship.
Tragically, the victim was misled into sending nude photographs of himself. The suspects then conspired to extort him, threatening to share the compromising images with his family and friends unless he paid a ransom.
Acting swiftly, operatives from the NPF-NCCC conducted a thorough investigation based on the intelligence gathered, resulting in the suspects’ arrest.
Law enforcement recovered several key pieces of evidence, including six iPhones, one Techno phone, one Samsung phone, and a Lexus car, all linked to the crime.
Further investigations have revealed that these suspects have a history of engaging in similar cybercriminal activities, both individually and as a group, targeting numerous victims worldwide. Their illicit gains were primarily funneled through gift cards, including iTunes and Steam gift cards.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD, NPM, has issued a strong warning to cybercriminals, urging Nigerians to be vigilant against suspicious online activities.
“The Nigeria Police Force will not relent in its fight against all sorts of crime and criminality,” he stated.
The IGP emphasized the commitment of the NPF to dominate the Nigerian cyberspace, taking decisive action against any individuals or groups attempting to undermine national peace and security.
Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities through the NPF-NCCC’s e-reporting portal at nccc.npf.gov.ng/ereport/signin, aiding in the timely identification and arrest of cybercriminals.
