Police uncover cybercrime ring hijacking WhatsApp accounts of prominent Nigerians

In a major breakthrough, the Nigeria Police Force’s National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC) has uncovered and dismantled a sophisticated cyber fraud syndicate targeting prominent Nigerians through WhatsApp.

The criminal group, according to police reports, had been hijacking WhatsApp accounts of high-profile individuals and using them to defraud unsuspecting contacts, exploiting the trust people place in these figures.

The operation followed a formal complaint filed on April 14, 2025, and led to swift action by the cyber intelligence team at the NCCC. In a statement released on Wednesday by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police revealed that advanced digital forensic tools and investigative techniques were employed to expose and neutralize the syndicate.

The investigation revealed that the group used social engineering tactics and mobile platform compromises to take control of WhatsApp accounts.

In the course of the operation, illicit funds running into millions of naira were traced across multiple Nigerian banks and subsequently frozen.

One of the key suspects, identified as Onajite Okoro, was arrested in Warri, Delta State. Okoro reportedly confessed to collaborating with an accomplice known as “Chief Mallam Zaki,” whom he had met through Facebook.

Police sources said Okoro played a significant role in registering SIM cards, linking them to various bank accounts, and facilitating fraudulent fund transfers. Investigators also recovered evidence from Okoro’s equipment and financial records, confirming his involvement in the scheme.

“One key suspect, Onajite Okoro ‘m’, was apprehended in Warri, Delta State. The suspect confessed to collaborating with an accomplice identified as “Chief Mallam Zaki,” whom he met via Facebook, further highlighting his role in facilitating the fraudulent scheme by registering SIM cards, linking them to various bank accounts, and assisting in illicit fund transfers,” the statement said.

“Further analysis of Okoro’s fraudulent equipment and financial records has yielded concrete evidence of his involvement in the fraudulent scheme.”

The police said further investigations have revealed additional syndicate members who remain at large.

Efforts are ongoing to arrest these suspects and prosecute those involved.

According to the statement, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has reiterated the Force’s zero-tolerance approach to all forms of crime, particularly financial and cyber-related crimes. He pledged the NPF’s readiness to respond to evolving digital threats and ensure that those responsible face justice.

The police have also advised citizens to adopt safer digital practices, including using multi-factor authentication, securing communication channels, and being wary of suspicious messages, even from known contacts.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains fully committed to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s cyberspace and ensuring that all threat actors, regardless of their status or targets, face the full weight of the law,” the statement said.