Zone 16 Command, headquartered in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has apprehended six suspects involved in various criminal activities, including internet fraud, car theft, and diabolic ritual practices.
The Zonal Police Relations Officer, SP Emonena Gunn, revealed this information in a statement on Thursday, December 19, 2024. The suspects were arrested at Progress Estate, Eneka, Rukpoku, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, by officers from the Zonal Anti-Money Laundering/Countering Financing Terrorism team, led by CSP Isaac Uhawha.
The arrested suspects are: Emmanuel Chinedu (34 years, Anambra State), Uche Darlington Mark (33 years, Abia State), Micah Douglas (22 years, Rivers State), Stephen Martins (29 years, Rivers State), Jack Prosper (22 years, Rivers State), and Shimkayah Oju Ibor (18 years, Rivers State).
“They were arrested on December 17, 2024, at Progress Estate, Eneka, Rukpokwu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following a covert operation carried out by the operatives after receiving credible intelligence,” the statement read.
“The suspects impersonated Canadian actor Keanurweeves and defrauded a Finnish woman named Kirsi and an American woman named Brenda of 1,300 Euros and 12,000 Dollars, respectively.
“During the investigation, the operatives recovered the following items: a white Mercedes Benz GLK 350 SUV (2009 model), diabolic ritual items such as spiritual soaps, three white containers, red cloth material, an oil, two laptops, phones, other electronic devices, and Canadian Loud (hard drugs).
“The recovered items are believed to be tools used in the syndicate’s cybercrime activities.
“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to being involved in a series of fraudulent operations totaling over N700,000,000.00 (seven hundred million naira).
“The suspects will be charged in court and prosecuted once investigations are completed.
“Zone 16 Command will continue to collaborate with the residents of Bayelsa and Rivers States to track and prosecute cybercriminals, combat cybercrime, and other forms of transnational organized criminal activities, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable under Nigerian law.
“The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun PhD, NPM, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to leveraging emerging technological advancements to protect the citizens of Nigeria, both physically and in the digital realm. He further reiterated that the Force is well-equipped and dedicated to combating cybercrime in the country.”
