The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has arrested four suspects involved in an alleged sextortion and romance scam targeting a Croatian national.
In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the suspects—Abodunrin Rasheed, Abodunrin Tunde, and Abodunrin Rokeeb—were apprehended after a report was filed via the NPF-NCCC E-Reporting portal and an intelligence tip-off from the Cybercrime Center.
Investigations disclosed that the suspects posed as a woman on a dating app to deceive the Croatian victim into sending intimate photos.
The relationship, which escalated to Instagram and WhatsApp, took a dark turn when the suspects began extorting the victim, threatening to expose the explicit images to his family and friends unless he paid ransom.
The police, acting on the intelligence report, arrested the suspects and recovered several incriminating items, including six iPhones, one Techno phone, one Samsung phone, and a Lexus car.
Further investigations uncovered a history of similar scams perpetrated by the suspects, who had extorted multiple victims globally, receiving payments primarily through gift cards.
The suspects will face charges upon the completion of the investigation.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has urged Nigerians to be cautious of suspicious online activities, warning cybercriminals of the consequences of their actions.
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to tackling cybercrime and ensuring national security.
“The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities via the NPF-NCCC E-Reporting portal to help apprehend offenders swiftly,” the police spokesperson said.
