Police Uncover and Dismantle WhatsApp Fraud Syndicate Targeting High-Profile Nigerians
The Nigeria Police Force, through its National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), has successfully uncovered and dismantled a sophisticated cyber fraud syndicate operating via WhatsApp. The group, which specialized in hijacking the WhatsApp accounts of citizens—particularly prominent individuals—was reportedly using these compromised accounts to defraud unsuspecting contacts.
The operation followed a formal complaint lodged on April 14, 2025, and was swiftly acted upon by the NPF-NCCC cyber intelligence team. Investigations revealed the syndicate used a blend of mobile platform compromise and social engineering tactics to execute the scheme. The police also traced fraudulent financial transactions across several Nigerian banks, freezing illicit funds amounting to millions of naira.
One of the key suspects, Onajite Okoro, was arrested in Warri, Delta State. He confessed to working alongside an accomplice known as “Chief Mallam Zaki,” whom he met on Facebook. Okoro admitted to registering SIM cards, linking them to multiple bank accounts, and assisting in the movement of stolen funds. Forensic analysis of his digital devices and financial records provided substantial evidence of his involvement. Additional members of the syndicate are still on the run, with efforts ongoing to track and apprehend them.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, reiterated the Force’s zero-tolerance stance towards cyber and financial crimes. He assured the public that the Police, in collaboration with financial institutions and other relevant stakeholders, would ensure that all individuals involved are brought to justice.
The Force also issued an advisory urging Nigerians to adopt enhanced digital security measures, including the use of multi-factor authentication and vigilance against suspicious communications—even from known contacts.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s digital space and ensuring that cybercriminals, regardless of their targets or status, face the full weight of the law.
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