The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has apprehended Rabiu Aliyu Salisu for allegedly defrauding an American citizen, Deborah Woods, of $597,000 through identity theft and cyber fraud.
At a press briefing on Thursday, 6 February 2025, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that Salisu had impersonated an American named Matthew Ramsey to carry out the fraudulent scheme.
Adejobi further announced the arrest of two other individuals, Saidu Adam Usman and Yusuf Umar, who were allegedly involved in a separate cyber fraud operation amounting to ₦400 million.
The suspects reportedly created fake Moniepoint accounts using pre-registered SIM cards and fraudulent email addresses. These accounts were then distributed to accomplices across multiple states, who conducted fraudulent Know Your Customer (KYC) verifications. This enabled them to obtain bank verification numbers (BVNs) and personal details from unsuspecting victims.
"Upon completion of the KYC process, the suspects would change the passwords to secure the accounts for their unknown foreign contractor," Adejobi stated.
According to the police, a total of 82 individuals were arrested in January 2025 for internet fraud and other cyber-related offences.
In another development, the police detained Idowu Smart Emmanuel following a petition alleging criminal defamation, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and the spread of false information. The suspect later admitted to fabricating the allegations.
The NPF has reiterated its commitment to tackling cybercrime and has assured that all arrested individuals will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.