In a major breakthrough in the fight against cybercrime, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has successfully uncovered and dismantled a high-level cybercrime syndicate that specialized in hijacking WhatsApp accounts—many belonging to prominent individuals—with the intent of defrauding their contacts. This significant development was announced by the NPF National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), the specialized unit leading the operation.
The syndicate’s activities came under the radar following a formal complaint lodged on April 14, 2025. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, cybercrime investigators tracked the criminal network to its operational base in Warri, Delta State, where they apprehended a key suspect identified as Onajite Okoro.
According to a statement released by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, the suspect confessed during interrogation to being part of a larger cyber-fraud network. He revealed that he had collaborated with a certain individual identified as “Chief Mallam Zaki”, whom he allegedly met on Facebook. Their modus operandi included the unlawful registration of multiple SIM cards which were then linked to several fraudulent bank accounts. These accounts were used to facilitate illicit fund transfers and scam unsuspecting victims, often through social engineering tactics carried out using compromised WhatsApp profiles.
The investigation was supported by advanced digital forensic tools and state-of-the-art investigative techniques, which played a pivotal role in tracing the origins of the cybercrimes and securing critical evidence. According to the Police, millions of naira in stolen funds have already been traced and frozen, preventing further loss and helping identify the broader network of criminal actors.
In the course of the arrest, operatives also recovered key exhibits including mobile devices, SIM cards, and financial documents that directly connected Okoro to the fraudulent activities. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate, some of whom are believed to still be operating both within Nigeria and possibly abroad.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, emphasized the NPF’s unwavering commitment to combating cybercrime in all forms. He assured the public that no matter the identity of the perpetrators or the prominence of their targets, justice would be served.
“We are working in close collaboration with financial institutions, telecom providers, and other critical stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive investigation and a strong deterrent to future digital crimes,” the IGP stated.
As part of its broader strategy to safeguard the nation’s digital landscape, the Nigeria Police Force is also intensifying its public awareness efforts. Citizens are strongly advised to take proactive steps in protecting their digital presence. This includes enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) on messaging and banking apps, exercising caution when responding to unexpected messages—even from familiar contacts—and refraining from clicking on unknown links or sharing sensitive personal information.
ACP Adejobi reaffirmed that the NPF remains resolute in its mandate to secure Nigeria’s cyberspace:
“The Nigeria Police Force is fully committed to fighting cyber threats and protecting all citizens, regardless of the social or political standing of the threat actors or their victims. We will continue to adapt and enhance our cybercrime detection and response capabilities.”
Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious digital activity to the authorities promptly. The NPF also assures that ongoing efforts will further bolster Nigeria’s cybercrime defense mechanisms, ensuring that the country stays ahead of evolving digital threats in an increasingly interconnected world.
