Police arrest suspects in telecom fraud syndicate that scammed ₦7.7 bn.

By Kingsley Omonobi

The Nigeria Police Force, through its National Cybercrime Centre (NPF‑NCCC), has made significant progress in a major cybercrime investigation involving computer‑related fraud, unauthorised access to computer systems, and theft of telecommunications services.

DSP Unwana Imah, the Police Public Relations Officer of the NPF‑NCCC, announced on Thursday that the investigation uncovered the participation of both internal and external collaborators in the fraud.

According to Imah, the probe began after a leading telecommunications company lodged a complaint about the compromise and unauthorised use of staff login credentials.

Initial findings revealed that between 1 October and 28 November 2024, the suspects gained illegal access to the company’s network billing infrastructure and fraudulently generated airtime, which was then converted into data bundles.

These data bundles were distributed and sold through a nationwide network of vendors.

“During the investigation, several suspects were arrested and more than 400 laptops, 1,000 mobile phones, POS machines, cash exhibits and other evidential materials were recovered,” Imah said.

He added that the telecommunications provider was able to reverse approximately 2,931.79 terabytes of fraudulently obtained data, valued at about ₦3.8 billion.

Further investigations uncovered the involvement of insiders and external collaborators.

In a second phase of operations carried out in May 2026, NPF‑NCCC operatives, acting on actionable intelligence, conducted coordinated raids in Kano, Katsina and Zamfara states, leading to the arrest of key suspects, including Musa Muhammed Kwandi, Nura Sadauki and Aminu Muhammed.

Other suspects arrested in connection with the case include Musa Hassan Mohammed, an IT specialist, Samson Alisigwe and Yusuf Shehu, all of whom are believed to have benefited from the proceeds of the fraudulent activities.

Through financial investigations and asset tracing, police operatives recovered nearly ₦90 million, along with two residential houses in Kano State, a mini‑plaza and a Toyota RAV4 vehicle, all identified as proceeds of the crime.

The police said investigations are ongoing to identify additional accomplices, trace further proceeds and ensure the prosecution of all those involved.

Inspector‑General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to protecting the country’s critical digital infrastructure and combating cybercrime.

He also urged members of the public with relevant information to assist ongoing investigations through the NPF‑NCCC’s reporting channels.

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