By Press Release
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a suspect in connection with a transnational fraud, identity theft, and money laundering case involving $550,000.
The arrest was carried out by operatives of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, in line with ongoing efforts by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to combat cyber-enabled crimes.
According to police authorities, the case was reported by a female citizen of the United States who was defrauded of the sum between October 2025 and January 2026.
In a coordinated operation conducted in Benin City between March 23 and 26, 2026, operatives acting on credible intelligence tracked and arrested the suspect on March 26.
Preliminary investigations identified the suspect as Emwanta Eghosa Smith from Uselu area of Edo State. He was alleged to have carried out the fraud by impersonating senior government officials and other prominent figures to gain the victim’s trust, leading her to transfer funds through cryptocurrency platforms.
Further findings revealed that proceeds of the crime were laundered through the purchase of five vehicles and an unfinished property in Benin City, all of which have been recovered as exhibits. Police also recovered counterfeit cash valued at $10,000 from the suspect.
The Inspector-General of Police reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to tackling cybercrime, identity theft, and transnational financial fraud, while strengthening collaboration with international partners to ensure offenders are brought to justice.
The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant in online interactions, particularly those involving financial transactions, and to report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
