Police Bust Cyber Gang Hijacking VIP WhatsApp Accounts to Scam Nigerians
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has uncovered and dismantled a sophisticated cybercrime ring that hijacked WhatsApp accounts of prominent Nigerians to defraud unsuspecting contacts of millions of naira.
The operation followed a complaint received on April 14, 2025, and was made public in a statement released on Wednesday by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force’s Public Relations Officer.
Utilizing advanced digital forensics and cyber-intelligence tools, the NPF-NCCC’s cyber unit successfully traced and exposed the fraud syndicate’s tactics. According to investigators, the gang employed social engineering techniques and exploited mobile vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to the WhatsApp accounts of influential Nigerians.
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During the operation, millions of naira in fraudulently obtained funds were tracked through various bank accounts and subsequently frozen.
A major breakthrough came with the arrest of a suspect, Onajite Okoro, in Warri, Delta State. Okoro confessed to working alongside an accomplice known as “Chief Mallam Zaki,” whom he reportedly met through Facebook. His role included registering SIM cards, linking them to fraudulent bank accounts, and facilitating fund transfers.
“Forensic analysis of Okoro’s digital devices and financial records provided concrete evidence of his involvement in the cyber fraud,” the police said.
Further investigations are ongoing, with additional suspects identified but still at large. Authorities are intensifying efforts to arrest and prosecute all individuals connected to the syndicate.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s zero-tolerance policy towards cybercrime and financial fraud, vowing to adapt to emerging digital threats and ensure all culprits are brought to justice.
The police also issued a public advisory urging Nigerians to secure their digital identities by enabling multi-factor authentication, avoiding suspicious messages—even from known contacts—and safeguarding communication platforms.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains fully committed to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s cyberspace and ensuring that all threat actors, regardless of their targets, face the full weight of the law,” the statement concluded.
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