Abuja — The Nigeria Police have apprehended a suspect over an alleged $550,000 fraud and identity theft case involving a United States-based victim, in a breakthrough by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the case was reported by an American woman, who was defrauded of $550,000 between October 2025 and January 2026.
Police operatives, acting on credible intelligence, carried out a coordinated operation in Benin City, Edo State, between March 23 and 26, 2026, leading to the arrest of the suspect on March 26.
Preliminary investigations identified the suspect as Emwanta Eghosa Smith, a resident of Uselu, Edo State.
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He allegedly carried out the fraud by impersonating prominent government officials and other notable public figures to gain the victim's trust, before inducing her to transfer funds through cryptocurrency platforms.
Further findings indicated that the proceeds of the crime were laundered through the purchase of five vehicles and an unfinished property in Benin City, all of which have been secured as exhibits.
The police also recovered counterfeit $10,000 from the suspect.
The Inspector General of Police (IG), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to tackling cyber-enabled financial crimes, identity theft, and transnational fraud, while strengthening collaboration with international partners to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice and victims are protected.
The police advised members of the public to remain vigilant in online interactions, particularly those involving financial transactions, and to promptly report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
