INTERPOL and Nigeria Police Arrest Two Suspects in Major Transnational Fraud and Cybercrime Case
The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force through the National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja, has successfully apprehended two high-profile suspects connected to a sophisticated transnational investment fraud and cybercrime network.
The suspects, identified as Robert Harms, a Canadian national, and Ms. Okeke Ogechi Njaka, a Nigerian cybercrime suspect, were arrested in separate operations following extensive intelligence-led investigations.
Robert Harms was arrested on February 7, 2025, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while attempting to flee to Canada. He is accused of orchestrating a fraudulent investment scheme that targeted Tepison Enterprises, a company based in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
According to police investigations, Harms allegedly deceived Tepison Enterprises into transferring $210,000 under the pretense of investing in a fictitious Waste-to-Energy Project in Canada. He falsely claimed affiliation with VDQ-NRG Systems Limited, a company he had no actual ties with. Further inquiries revealed that the project was non-existent and that the funds were laundered through Allah Mai Girma Bureau de Change in Abuja before being transferred to an account in Dubai.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed in a statement issued Tuesday that Harms was arraigned on May 9, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Uyo. He is currently remanded at the Uyo Custodial Centre pending the next court hearing scheduled for May 20, 2025.
In a related operation, INTERPOL operatives re-arrested Ms. Okeke Ogechi Njaka on May 8, 2025, in Abuja. Njaka had been on the run since earlier this year after jumping bail in connection with an ongoing cybercrime investigation that dates back to 2020.
Njaka faces multiple charges including cyberbullying, cyberstalking, fraud, criminal breach of trust, and the malicious distribution of nude images and videos of her victims on various social media platforms. She initially evaded justice after her first arrest in Anambra State.
She is expected to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
In addition to the cybercrime charges, Njaka’s non-governmental organization, Ogechi Helping Hands Foundation, is under prosecution for allegedly defrauding the public of over ₦452 million.
The scam was reportedly carried out under the guise of providing medical assistance. Co-defendants in the case include Emeka Ezeogbo and the Tolotolo Family Foundation. Proceedings in this case are ongoing at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s firm stance against cybercrime and cross-border financial fraud. He urged citizens to exercise due diligence in international business transactions and to promptly report any suspicious financial activities to law enforcement authorities.