Operatives from the Nigerian Police Force have apprehended three suspects—Abodunrin Rasheed, Abodunrin Tunde, and Abodunrin Rokeeb—accused of perpetrating a sextortion and romance scam against a Croatian national.
According to a statement from Olumuyi Adejobi, spokesperson for the Nigerian Police, the suspects were taken into custody following a report to the National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC). They allegedly met the Croatian on a dating app, where they posed as a woman and initiated a romantic relationship.
The investigation revealed that their online communication escalated to Instagram and WhatsApp, leading to an intimate exchange. The victim was tricked into sending nude photos through the dating app, after which the suspects conspired to extort him, threatening to share the images with his family and friends unless he paid a ransom.
The NPF-NCCC operatives conducted a thorough investigation based on the report, which resulted in the suspects’ arrest and the recovery of key evidence related to the crime. The items seized included six iPhones, one Techno phone, one Samsung phone, and a Lexus car.
Further inquiries indicated that the suspects had previously engaged in similar cybercriminal activities, both as a group and individually, defrauding numerous victims worldwide. The proceeds from their crimes were primarily received via gift cards, including iTunes and Steam gift cards. The suspects are expected to be charged in court once investigations are finalized.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant against suspicious online activities conducted by scammers and cybercriminals. He issued a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in cybercrime, reaffirming the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to combating all forms of criminality.
The IGP also reiterated the determination of the Nigeria Police Force to secure Nigerian cyberspace and take decisive action against those attempting to disrupt national peace and security, assuring citizens of ongoing efforts to enhance national safety and combat crime across all sectors.
