Police arrest two suspected identity thieves, romance scam

The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre has arrested two individuals involved in criminal conspiracy, identity theft, and romance scams, while efforts are on top gear to apprehend others who are on the police’s radar.

This is according to a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi and made available to journalists on Thursday.

According to Adejobi, the suspects, Jerry Okoye and Ifeanyi Nwosu, both residents of Panasonic Estate in Idu, Abuja, have confessed to their participation in computer-related frauds associated with romance scams and identity theft.

He said substantial evidence from their electronic devices has shed light on their alleged criminal activities.

The FPRO stated further that Jerry Okoye, a former student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, claimed to have been in the music industry since 2016 and operates a public relations company.

“The suspect confessed to engaging in fraudulent activities dating back to 2014, primarily through Facebook.

“The investigation also uncovered compelling evidence, linking him to fraud and romance scams, extending up to the present day.

“Ifeanyi Nwosu, a close associate of Jerry Okoye, who was arrested along with the first suspect, claimed that his visit to the residence was for music recording purposes,” Adejobi said in the statement.

He noted that the police source, revealed that the suspect admitted to having a unique connection with a 69-year-old white woman known as Winnie, whom he identifies as both a fan and a friend.

Adejobi stated that the connection between the suspect and the woman goes beyond casual friendship as evidence indicating a series of cash exchanges between Ifeanyi Nwosu and the elderly woman have come to light.