-Godwin Orozo Abuja:
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arraigned 113 foreign nationals at the Federal High Court in Abuja following their arrest for alleged involvement in an extensive cybercrime operation.
The suspects face charges including computer-related fraud, unlawful access to data, marketing scams, money laundering, conspiracy, and illegal immigration.
The arrests were made on November 3, 2024, in the Jahi area of Abuja during a coordinated operation by officers from the Zone 7 Command and the National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC).
The police recovered a trove of sophisticated equipment and documents linked to the cybercrime syndicate.
Recovered items included:
– A Toyota Tundra vehicle
– Laptops, smartphones, and tablets – High-capacity servers, routers, and drones
– Specialized cyber equipment and game consoles
– Identity cards, passports, and travel documents
– Central processing units and communication devices
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Police Public Relations Officer, hailed the operation as a major step in combating transnational cybercrime.
“The suspects were found to be involved in elaborate criminal schemes, including internet fraud, data theft, and marketing scams, with evidence linking them to human trafficking and immigration offences.
This operation underscores our commitment to dismantling cybercrime networks and ensuring justice under Nigerian law.” Adejobi added that the NPF is working closely with international law enforcement agencies and embassies to strengthen efforts against cybercriminals.
“We are determined to track, prosecute, and hold accountable those who exploit digital platforms for illegal activities,” he said.
The arraignment follows weeks of investigations that unveiled the syndicate’s sophisticated operations, spanning multiple countries.
The suspects, who are now in police custody, face severe penalties if convicted. This crackdown highlights Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime and protect its digital infrastructure from criminal exploitation.
