The Zone 2 Police Command in Lagos has successfully dismantled a notorious syndicate involved in hacking bank customers’ accounts and swindling them out of millions of dollars. Two individuals have been apprehended, and a manhunt is underway to capture other syndicate members.
According to the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Hauwa Idris Adamu, the syndicate had victimized over 1,000 individuals across the country. The breakthrough came after United Bank for Africa (UBA) submitted a petition on May 8, 2023, highlighting the rampant internet fraud targeting their customers.
Prompted by the petition, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ari Ari Mohammed Ali, mobilized a team of detectives from the Zonal Monitoring Unit. Leveraging advanced technology, they successfully tracked down Yusuf Ademola, aged 40, and Adesina Olawale Abiodun, aged 50, in their hideouts located in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
During interrogation, the suspects admitted to their involvement in the crimes and disclosed the existence of multiple syndicates across Nigeria. They employed sophisticated software to hack into customers’ accounts and transfer funds without detection. By obtaining the customers’ BVN-linked phone numbers and bank alerts, the fraudsters executed seamless money transfers.
As the investigation progresses, it has come to light that the syndicate comprises individuals from various regions of the country. Authorities are diligently working to apprehend the remaining suspects involved in this criminal network.
While the investigation is ongoing, the apprehended suspects will soon face legal proceedings once the investigation is concluded.