Operatives of the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos, have arrested three individuals suspected of running a sophisticated fraud syndicate that specialized in forging cheques from international banks and impersonating foreign celebrities.
Suspects and Their Operations
The suspects—Innocent Odumosor (27), Ajie Samuel Chukwudi (31), and Godwin Divine (19)—were apprehended at their Lagos residences following an intelligence-led operation by the Zonal Anti-Corruption Unit.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate worked in collaboration with foreign-based fraudsters, orchestrating scams that defrauded victims of over N400 million in four years.
Odumosor, identified as the ring leader, lived in a luxury four-bedroom apartment at Ocean Freeze Estate, Ikate, while his alleged deputy, Ajie, resided in Star Times Estate, Ago Palace Way, Okota.
How the Scam Worked
During interrogation, Odumosor and Ajie confessed to cloning cashier cheques from foreign banks, including the Bank of America. They also admitted to buying hacking tools from websites such as Xeet.com, Olux.TO, Monove.com, and Cheap.com, which they used to bypass bank security systems and access sensitive account details.
Odumosor detailed their tactics, explaining:
“We use the software to manipulate foreign bank systems and clone cashier cheques. The funds are then deposited into foreign accounts provided by our overseas syndicate members. Once the victim unknowingly cashes the cheque, the money is transferred to our designated accounts.”
He further revealed that he started internet fraud in 2021, two years after graduating from university, learning his trade from online platforms such as Xeet.PW and Monove.com.
“I specialize in loading foreign bank accounts. I buy loading tools from different websites, costing between $10 and $100, and use them to deposit stolen funds into foreign accounts, mostly in the United States. We share the proceeds 50/50 with our foreign partners.”
Their Latest Fraudulent Transaction
According to police reports, their most recent scam involved forging a $350,000 cheque from the Bank of America, with the beneficiary listed as Babara Franks.
Odumosor allegedly received $150,000 (N230 million) as his share, using part of it to purchase a Mercedes GLE worth N120 million, while the remainder was spent on personal expenses, family, and his music career.
Ajie, who served as the middleman in the transaction, admitted to receiving $50,000, while the share of Godwin Divine remains untouched in a Nigerian bank account.
Following their March 28, 2024, fraudulent transaction, Odumosor purchased a Mercedes 223 GLE worth N250 million, while Ajie bought a Mercedes GLE 221 valued at N150 million.
Police Investigation and Ongoing Manhunt
Authorities are currently working with Interpol to track down other syndicate members operating abroad. Investigators are also scrutinizing Nigerian banks involved in the transactions to determine whether there was internal collusion.
Meanwhile, police have confiscated the suspects’ international passports as part of the ongoing investigation.
Confirming the arrests, AIG Zone 2, Adegoke Fayoade, stated that further investigations were underway and that the suspects would face prosecution upon completion of the case.