NPF-NCCC Dismantles Fraud Syndicate, Arrests Three Suspects

The Nigeria Police Force's National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) conducted an operation that dismantled a sophisticated cross-border fraud syndicate, resulting in the arrest of three suspects, including Agbor Martin, who falsely represented himself as a World Bank official. The investigation revealed that the suspects, Mr. Julius Kithom and Ms. Cynthia Kithom, had defrauded victims of a total of $250,000 over three years through fraudulent claims regarding administrative fees to unlock donor funds, which were never secured.

They also organized a sham symposium in Nigeria and South Africa in 2024, further inducing victims to secure bank loans against non-existent funds. Additional investigations led to the arrest of Chinedu Mbachu, who was accused of unauthorized modifications to computer systems, and Ayodel Daramola and Dada Babatund Oluwatobi, who were involved in siphoning approximately 85 million Naira from their company.

The NPF-NCCC continues to intensify efforts to recover the remaining funds and prosecute those involved.