Police arrest man for allegedly defrauding US citizen of $597,000

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Police arrest man for allegedly defrauding US citizen of $597,000

The Nigeria Police Force, NPF, has arrested a suspect, Rabiu Aliyu Salisu, for allegedly defrauding a US citizen, Deborah Woods, of $597,000 through identity theft and cyber fraud.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, February 6, 2025, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said Salisu had fraudulently assumed the identity of an American citizen, Matthew Ramsey, to carry out the scam.

Adejobi also disclosed that two other suspects, Saidu Adam Usman and Yusuf Umar, were arrested for allegedly creating fictitious accounts used to commit fraud amounting to ₦400 million.

The duo reportedly created Moniepoint profiles using pre-registered SIM cards and email addresses.

They then distributed these accounts to accomplices across different states for fraudulent Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, enabling them to obtain bank verification numbers, BVNs and personal details from unsuspecting victims.

“Upon completion of the KYC process, the suspects would change the passwords to secure the accounts for their unknown foreign contractor,” Adejobi explained.

The police revealed that 82 suspects were arrested in January 2025 for internet fraud and other cyber-related crimes.

In another case, the police arrested Idowu Smart Emmanuel following a petition for criminal defamation, cyber stalking, cyberbullying, and falsehood.

The suspect later admitted to making false allegations.

The Nigeria Police has assured that all suspects will face prosecution as part of its ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime and fraud in the country.