The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on cybercrime, uncovering multiple fraud schemes involving cross-border scams, fake empowerment programmes, business email compromise, and the diversion of millions of naira in illicit funds.

The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, disclosed the developments in a statement, noting that the operations were carried out by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) as part of renewed efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and combat financial crimes.

Fake World Bank Official Arrested in Cross-Border Scam

In one of the major cases, police operatives dismantled a transnational fraud syndicate and arrested a suspect identified as Agbor Martins Black-Diamond, also known as Oruojong Black Diamond Agbor Martins.

According to investigators, the suspect allegedly posed as an official of the World Bank and other international donor agencies to deceive victims into paying for fake access to grants and development funding.

Police said two Kenyan nationals were defrauded of $250,000 over a three-year period after being falsely promised access to international financial support.

The suspect was arrested on March 31, 2026, following intelligence-led investigations by the cybercrime centre.

Further findings revealed that a foundation linked to the suspect was not registered in Nigeria. Investigators also discovered that he later registered another organisation in November 2024, which authorities believe was an attempt to give legitimacy to the fraudulent operation.

In addition, the suspect is accused of collecting N50,000 from several farmers in the Kuje Area Council under the guise of an empowerment initiative that never existed.

N85 Million Business Email Fraud Uncovered

In a separate operation, the police arrested two additional suspects in connection with a sophisticated business email compromise (BEC) scheme.

According to the police, the suspects allegedly infiltrated corporate email communications and diverted N85 million belonging to a company into fraudulent accounts.

Business email compromise is a growing form of cyber fraud in which criminals impersonate executives, vendors, or trusted business contacts to manipulate payments or steal funds.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the syndicate and trace the stolen money.

Fraud Suspect Spent N61 Million on Online Gambling

The police also revealed another disturbing case involving a suspect who allegedly used N61 million from fraudulent proceeds for online gambling activities.

Officials said the case highlights the evolving methods used by cybercriminals to launder or dissipate stolen funds through digital platforms and betting channels.

Police Reaffirm Commitment

DCP Placid stated that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to protecting citizens, businesses, and international partners from cyber-enabled crimes.

He urged members of the public to remain cautious when approached with offers of grants, donor funding, empowerment programmes, or unusual business payment requests online.

The police also advised organisations to strengthen cybersecurity systems, verify financial instructions through official channels, and report suspicious online activities promptly.

Rising Focus on Cybercrime

The latest arrests underscore the growing focus by Nigerian authorities on cyber-enabled offences, especially those involving identity theft, phishing, impersonation, and transnational fraud.

With digital transactions increasing rapidly across Africa, experts say stronger enforcement, public awareness, and corporate vigilance will be critical in reducing losses and protecting trust in online systems.