The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre has arrested seven suspects linked to an online investment scam operating out of Agbor, Delta State, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force Public Relations Officer, said the arrests came after a joint investigation with the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency and intelligence shared by Meta.
The suspects—Collins Ogwuorie, Christian Ogwuorie, Gbenoba Emmanuel, Samuel Olufemi, Collins Victor, Onyeka Emenem, and Kefas Ogunbor—allegedly ran a sophisticated online fraud network using fake social media accounts to impersonate reputable cryptocurrency traders.
“The suspects utilised fake social media accounts to target individuals engaging with legitimate investment platforms,” Hundeyin said. “They recruited and trained young people in retirement investment fraud and phishing techniques, targeting victims in the United States, the UK, and UK residents.”
Investigations identified Collins Ogwuorie as the leader of the syndicate.
He allegedly procured around 500 social media accounts from online vendors, distributing them among recruits for coordinated spamming, impersonation, and victim engagement.
Members were assigned roles such as account management, online engagement, and mass spamming.
The syndicate also operated a fraudulent Facebook group titled “RETIREMENT STRATEGIES: REAL ESTATE AND MARKET INSIGHTS”, where fake testimonials were posted to lure unsuspecting investors.
Items recovered from the suspects included 26 mobile phones, 42 SIM cards, and a laptop, believed to have been used in executing the scams.
Hundeyin cautioned the public:
“Investigations are ongoing. People should exercise caution with online investment opportunities and verify platforms before committing funds.”
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Meta welcomed the collaboration with law enforcement. Sylvia Musalagani, Head of Safety Policy for Africa, the Middle East, and Türkiye at Meta, said:
“This takedown highlights the impact of cooperation between technology companies and law enforcement.”
A representative of the UK National Crime Agency, Matt Moutain, added that the arrests were part of a broader effort under the UK-Nigeria Fraud Memorandum of Understanding, reinforcing cross-border collaboration against cyber fraud.
Online investment scams, often relying on fake profiles and impersonation of legitimate traders, have surged in recent years.
The Nigeria Police Force continues to work with international partners and tech companies to disrupt these transnational cybercrime networks.