The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the repatriation of $23,000(N31M), equivalent to about N31 million, recovered from an alleged international romance scam to a victim in the Cayman Islands.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, who said the funds were recovered by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja.
Hundeyin explained that the recovery followed a formal request from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service to assist in the investigation of a Nigerian suspect, Achufusi Obioma Ikenna, over alleged online romance fraud.
He said operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja conducted intelligence-led and covert investigations, leading to Ikenna’s arrest and the recovery of the stolen funds, which were later handed over through the British High Commission in Abuja for onward transmission to the victim.
The police spokesperson added that the suspect would be charged to court after the conclusion of ongoing investigations, stressing that the recovery reflects the Force’s commitment to international cooperation and the fight against cross-border cybercrime.
