INTERPOL Arrests Canadian And Nigerian Suspects Over Investment Fraud And Cybercrime

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, have arrested two individuals linked to major fraud and cybercrime cases.

Canadian Suspect Arrested for $210,000 Investment Scam

A Canadian citizen, Robert Harms, was apprehended at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on February 7, 2025, while attempting to flee to Canada. He is accused of defrauding Tepison Enterprises, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, of $210,000 through a fake investment scheme.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, revealed in a statement on Tuesday that Harms, introduced to Tepison Enterprises by a Polaris Bank account officer in June 2023, misled the company into investing in a non-existent Canadian Waste-to-Energy project. Harms allegedly promised a $30,000 return within four weeks, which never materialized.

Investigations showed that Harms had no legitimate ties to VDQ-NRG Systems Limited, the Canadian firm he claimed to represent. The company’s CEO disclaimed any knowledge of him. Harms reportedly forged a Project Bridge Loan Agreement and funneled the funds through Allah Mai Girma Bureau de Change in Abuja to an account in Dubai.

He admitted to receiving the money and breaching the investment agreement. Criminal charges were filed at the Federal High Court, Uyo, on April 22, 2025. Harms was arraigned on May 9 and remanded at Uyo Custodial Centre. The case was adjourned to May 20, 2025.

Fugitive Re-Arrested for Cybercrime and Sextortion

In a separate operation, INTERPOL operatives re-arrested Ms. Okeke Ogechi Njaka, who had been on the run since absconding from administrative bail earlier this year. She was initially declared wanted in 2021 for cybercrime, including the distribution of nude images and extensive online fraud.

Njaka was first arrested in Anambra State on January 4, 2025, but later absconded. She was re-arrested on May 8, 2025, in a hideout in Abuja. She is scheduled for arraignment before the Federal High Court on May 13, 2025.

Her NGO, Ogechi Helping Hands Foundation, is also under prosecution for a N452.8 million medical assistance scam, alongside Emeka Ezeogbo and the Tolotolo Family Foundation.