Nigeria Police Arrest Two Suspects Over N788.3 Million Investment and Charity Scams

ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the arrest of two high-profile suspects in connection with separate transnational financial crimes totaling ₦788.3 million, including a $210,000 (₦336.3 million) investment fraud and a ₦452.8 million charity scam.

The arrests were disclosed in a statement on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed the operations were carried out by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja.

Suspect 1: Canadian National Robert Harms — $210,000 Fraud

Nationality: Canadian
Arrest Date: February 7, 2025
Location: Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja
Crime: Fraudulent “Waste-to-Energy” investment scheme
Victim: Tepison Enterprises (Akwa Ibom-based company)
Amount Defrauded: $210,000 (~₦336.3 million)
Modus Operandi:
- Falsely presented a Canadian investment opportunity
- Introduced via a Polaris Bank staff member
- Funds transferred via Bureau de Change in Abuja to Dubai
- Supported by fake documents to mislead the victim

Harms was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Uyo, on May 9, 2025, after criminal charges were filed on April 22. He has been remanded at the Uyo Custodial Centre pending the next hearing, which is set for May 20, 2025.

Suspect 2: Nigerian National Okeke Ogechi Njaka — ₦452.8 Million Charity Scam

Nationality: Nigerian
Initial Arrest: January 2025 (Anambra State)
Re-Arrest: May 8, 2025 (Abuja)
Status: Previously declared wanted since 2021
Charges:
- Cyberbullying
- Cyberstalking
- Obtaining money under false pretences
- Criminal breach of trust

Njaka reportedly absconded after being granted administrative bail following her initial arrest. She was re-arrested in a hideout in Abuja after continued intelligence-led investigations.

She is being prosecuted alongside her NGO, Ogechi Helping Hands Foundation, for allegedly orchestrating a fake medical aid charity scheme, defrauding Nigerians of ₦452,821,982.

Two other parties are being prosecuted in the same fraud case:

Emeka Ezeogbo
Tolotolo Family Foundation

IGP Reaffirms Commitment to Fighting Financial Crime

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, reiterated the police force’s unwavering commitment to tackling all forms of cybercrime and financial fraud.

“The Nigeria Police Force…emphasises its unyielding resolve to combat all forms of transnational financial crimes and urges members of the public to exercise utmost caution and due diligence before entering into high-value international agreements,” the statement read.

He further urged Nigerians to report any suspicious financial activity to law enforcement authorities.

Conclusion

The arrest and prosecution of both Robert Harms and Okeke Njaka represent a major victory for Nigeria’s law enforcement in the fight against cross-border financial crimes and internet fraud. As cybercrime networks grow increasingly sophisticated, the NPF’s collaboration with international policing agencies like INTERPOL is proving critical in tracking and apprehending perpetrators.

Citizens and corporate entities are strongly advised to verify investment offers, especially those involving foreign partnerships, and to consult regulatory bodies before committing funds to avoid falling prey to elaborate scams.