The Nigeria Police Force, through its INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Abuja, has apprehended two suspects linked to significant investment fraud and cybercrime involving over $210,000 and ₦452 million.
Robert Harms, a Canadian national, was arrested for orchestrating a fraudulent investment scheme targeting Tepison Enterprises in Akwa Ibom State. According to police, Harms convinced the company to invest $210,000 in a fictitious Waste-to-Energy project in Canada, promising a $30,000 return within four weeks that never materialized. Investigations uncovered that Harms fabricated project documents and transferred the funds to an account in Dubai. He was arrested on February 7, 2025, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while attempting to flee the country. Harms has since been arraigned and remanded at the Uyo Custodial Centre.
In a separate operation, Okeke Ogechi Njaka, a Nigerian woman, was re-arrested for multiple cybercrime offenses, including cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and fraud involving her NGO, Ogechi Helping Hands Foundation. The foundation allegedly obtained ₦452,821,982 through a medical assistance scam. Njaka had initially been arrested in January 2025 but absconded after jumping bail. She was recaptured on May 8, 2025, in Abuja and is set to be arraigned before the Federal High Court.
The Nigeria Police Force, led by Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed its commitment to combating transnational financial crimes and urged the public to exercise caution when engaging in high-value international transactions.
“The arrests demonstrate our unwavering resolve to tackle financial and cyber-related threats,” said Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Headquarters Public Relations Officer.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activities promptly to law enforcement agencies to aid ongoing efforts against financial crimes.
