A 28-year-old man, Dauda Samuel, has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force over his alleged role in a fraudulent online recruitment operation and other cyber-related offences.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Police explained that the arrest followed intelligence reports and numerous complaints from citizens who were reportedly defrauded by the suspect. He was accused of impersonating the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Frank Mba, on Facebook to lure unsuspecting individuals with false promises of employment into the Nigeria Police Force.
Investigators said the suspect created multiple fake Facebook accounts bearing the name and image of DIG Mba, using them to deceive victims into paying money for non-existent job placements. He was apprehended in Panda Village, in the Home of Solid Minerals (Nasarawa State), and is said to have admitted to the crime during interrogation. The Police added that he has also given information that is aiding further inquiries.
“Efforts are currently underway to identify possible accomplices and trace additional digital footprints linked to the suspect’s activities through digital forensic analysis” the statement read.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has urged members of the public to remain alert and avoid falling prey to fraudsters, particularly those who make suspicious promises online. He also reiterated the Force’s commitment to bringing perpetrators of cybercrime to justice.
