From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested two high-profile suspects, Robert Harms and Okeke Ogechi Njaka, for investment fraud and cybercrime, as part of its ongoing efforts to combat transnational financial crimes.
The arrests were made by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja, according to Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
Following a detailed investigation, INTERPOL NCB apprehended Robert Harms, a Canadian national, on February 7 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while he attempted to flee to Canada.
Harms allegedly defrauded Tepison Enterprises, based in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, of $210,000 through a fake waste-to-energy project in Canada. Introduced via a Polaris Bank officer in June 2023, Harms used a fabricated “Project Bridge Loan Agreement” to induce the company to transfer funds to a Dubai account via Allah Mai Girma Bureau de Change. He admitted to receiving the funds and breaching the agreement. Harms was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Uyo on May 9 and remanded at Uyo Custodial Centre, with the case adjourned to May 20.
In a separate operation, INTERPOL re-arrested Ms Okeke Ogechi Njaka on May 8 in Abuja for multiple cybercrimes, including cyberbullying, cyberstalking, obtaining money under false pretences, and criminal breach of trust. Initially arrested in Anambra on January 4, Njaka absconded after jumping bail. Her NGO, Ogechi Helping Hands Foundation, is also under prosecution for allegedly defrauding the public of N452.8 million through a fake medical assistance scheme. She was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on May 13.
The Nigeria Police Force, under Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, reiterated its commitment to tackling financial and cyber threats. Adejobi urged the public to exercise caution in international business dealings and report suspicious activities to law enforcement.