Babatunji Wusu –
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Two suspects arrested in connection with investment fraud and cybercrime
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Robert Harms, a Canadian national, defrauded Tepison Enterprises of $210,000
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INTERPOL also re-apprehends cybercriminal Okeke Ogechi Njaka
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Nigeria Police reinforce commitment to tackling transnational financial crimes
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has successfully arrested two high-profile suspects involved in investment fraud and cybercrime, furthering its efforts to combat transnational financial crimes. According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the arrests were made by the NPF’s National Central Bureau (NCB).
The statement detailed the arrest of Robert Harms, a Canadian national, who was apprehended in connection with a fraudulent investment scheme targeting Tepison Enterprises in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State. The investigation was sparked by a formal complaint from the company, which claimed Harms induced them to invest $210,000 in a fake waste-to-energy project in Canada. Tepison Enterprises was promised a $30,000 return within four weeks, but no such return materialized. Harms also fabricated a “Project Bridge Loan Agreement” and funneled the money through an account in Dubai via a Bureau de Change in Abuja.
Further inquiries revealed that Harms had no legitimate affiliation with the Canadian company he falsely claimed to represent, VDQ-NRG Systems Limited. The company’s CEO denied any knowledge of Harms. Harms was arrested on February 7, 2025, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while attempting to flee to Canada. He admitted to receiving the funds and violating the investment agreement. Formal charges have been filed at the Federal High Court, Uyo.
In a separate operation, INTERPOL NCB Abuja also re-apprehended Ms. Okeke Ogechi Njaka, a suspect wanted for various cybercrimes, including cyberbullying, cyberstalking, fraud, and criminal breach of trust. The arrests highlight the Nigeria Police Force’s ongoing commitment to tackling financial and cybercrime threats.
The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, reiterated its firm resolve to combat transnational financial crimes. The Force urged the public to exercise caution when entering high-value international agreements and to report suspicious activities promptly to law enforcement agencies.
