NSCDC apprehends cyber criminals impersonating Govt. officials on Facebook
2 min read
In a significant breakthrough, operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested two individuals suspected of belonging to a cybercrime syndicate. These suspects specialize in impersonating government officials on Facebook, with the intent to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.
Commandant Olusola Odumosu of the FCT Command, who announced the arrest, revealed that the suspects had created a fake Facebook account in his name to deceive and extort money from innocent citizens. Following the discovery of this fraudulent activity, a thorough investigation was launched by the intelligence and investigation team, culminating in the apprehension of the perpetrators.
READ ASO: http://Why I didn’t support Shaibu to succeed me as Edo Governor — Obaseki
The arrested individuals have been identified as Henry Ushie Odep, aged 34, and Emanuel Ushie Odep, aged 23, both from Cross Rivers State. Emmanuel was the first to be captured in Abuja, while Henry, his elder brother, was apprehended in Asaba, Delta State, with the phone used for operating the fake Facebook account in his possession.
During interrogation, Emmanuel confessed to creating the fraudulent Facebook account at the behest of his brother Henry, who initiated him into cybercrime. Henry, in turn, admitted to engaging in online fraud since 2016 and confessed to duping numerous Nigerians through various online scams.
The investigation further revealed that the suspects operated financial accounts with platforms such as Opay, Moniepoint and Palmpay to receive illicit funds. Additionally, they utilised accounts belonging to an unsuspecting individual named Victory Chinagorom to conceal their illicit activities.
READ ALSO: http://Nigeria’s solid minerals wealth valued at $750b – Dele Alake
According to Henry, his involvement in cybercrime began through the influence of a friend named Chibuike Okorie, who has since relocated to Kuwait.
The NSCDC Command assured the public that the investigation is ongoing, with plans to prosecute the suspects in accordance with the law once all findings are concluded. This successful operation underscores the commitment of security agencies to combat cybercrime and protect citizens from online fraudsters.
