Seven Arrested in Delta Over International Online Scam
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Seven Suspects Arrested As Nigerian Police and UK NCA Bust International Financial Scam Centre in Delta
The Nigeria Police Force has dismantled an international online investment fraud syndicate operating out of Agbor, Delta State, in a coordinated operation involving British authorities and a major social media company.
Ejes Gist News reports that the raid was conducted by the Police National Cybercrime Centre (NPF–NCC) in partnership with the UK National Crime Agency (NCA), with intelligence support from Meta. Seven suspects were arrested for allegedly defrauding victims across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries of millions of dollars through sophisticated online investment schemes.
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Modus Operandi of the Syndicate
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the syndicate operated through social media deception, recruiting and training young individuals in retirement investment fraud and phishing techniques. Victims were targeted in the United States, the UK, and other international jurisdictions.
Police identified the suspects as Collins Ogwuorie, Christian Ogwuorie, Gbenoba Emmanuel, Samuel Olufemi, Collins Victor, Onyeka Emenem, and Kefas Ogunbor. Investigators said Collins Ogwuorie, allegedly the mastermind, procured hundreds of social media accounts from online vendors and distributed them to recruits. These accounts were used for impersonation, mass spamming, and direct engagement with victims under the guise of cryptocurrency trading and investment advisory.
The syndicate reportedly ran a fake Facebook community called “Retirement Strategies: Real Estate and Market Insights,” posting fabricated success stories and testimonials to lure victims into transferring funds. Items recovered during the raid included 26 mobile phones, 42 SIM cards, and a laptop believed to have coordinated the scams.
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Ongoing Investigations and Warnings
The Director of the NPF–NCC, Ifeanyi Henry Uche, said investigations are ongoing and that additional arrests could follow as digital evidence is analysed. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the cybercrime unit for the operation and reiterated the force’s commitment to tackling online financial crimes and protecting citizens.
Authorities have advised the public to exercise caution with online investment offers and to verify platforms before transferring money.
International Collaboration
Meta highlighted the importance of law enforcement collaboration in combating online scams. Sylvia Musalagani, Head of Safety Policy for Africa, the Middle East, and Türkiye, said, “Scams are increasing across the internet, driven by organised crime syndicates that constantly evolve to evade detection. This takedown demonstrates the impact of cooperation and the importance of a whole-of-society approach.”
The UK National Crime Agency also praised the Nigerian authorities. Matt Mountain, a representative of the NCA, pledged continued cooperation in combating cyber-enabled fraud.
The operation underscores growing international collaboration against cross-border cybercrime and the Nigerian police’s intensified efforts to dismantle organised online financial scams.
