Nigeria Police Return $23,000 to Victim in International Romance Scam Case
The Nigeria Police Force has returned $23,000 to a victim in the Cayman Islands after successfully recovering the funds from a Nigerian man accused of orchestrating an international online romance scam.
In a statement issued on Friday, Force Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed that the money was recovered through the coordinated efforts of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja. The recovery followed a formal request from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, which sought Nigeria’s assistance in investigating the activities of a suspect identified as Achufusi Obioma Ikenna.
According to the police, INTERPOL operatives in Abuja launched covert and intelligence-driven investigations into the case after receiving the request from authorities in the Cayman Islands. The operation eventually led to the arrest of the suspect and the successful recovery of the stolen funds.
Hundeyin explained that once all required legal and administrative processes were completed, the recovered money was formally handed over to representatives of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service. The transfer was facilitated through the British High Commission in Abuja, represented by Mr. Shaun McLeary, who received the funds for onward delivery to the victim.
Related News
Many Feared Dead as Boko Haram Fighters Overrun Military Base and IDP Camp in Borno
Suspected militants from the Islamic State West Africa Province launched a coordinated early-morning assault on a military base and an…
Gun Attack on ADC Leaders in Edo Raises Fears of Violent Election Season
A gun attack on African Democratic Congress leaders in Benin City, including Peter Obi and Chief John Oyegun, has heightened…
Nigeria Issues Travel Advisory as Israel-US and Iran Conflict Escalates in Gulf Region
The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a travel advisory urging Nigerians in Iran and neighbouring Gulf states to exercise…
Police authorities stated that the suspect will be formally charged in court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations. Officials emphasized that the recovery and repatriation of the funds demonstrate the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to combating financial crimes, particularly those involving international networks and digital platforms.
The Force Public Relations Officer described the operation as an example of effective intelligence-led policing and the benefits of strong international collaboration. He noted that cybercrime and online fraud have increasingly become transnational in nature, requiring close cooperation between law enforcement agencies across different countries.
“The Force remains resolute in ensuring that proceeds of crime are traced, recovered and returned to victims, while perpetrators are identified and brought to justice in accordance with the law and international best practices,” the statement said.
Romance scams, which often involve perpetrators posing as romantic partners online to defraud victims, have become a growing concern globally. Law enforcement agencies across multiple jurisdictions have intensified efforts to track and prosecute individuals involved in such schemes, as well as recover stolen funds where possible.
The Nigeria Police Force has in recent years strengthened its collaboration with international partners such as INTERPOL and foreign police agencies to address cybercrime and financial fraud. Officials say these partnerships have improved intelligence sharing, facilitated cross-border investigations, and enhanced the capacity to track illicit financial flows.
Observers note that successful recoveries of stolen funds in international cases can help improve public confidence in law enforcement institutions and demonstrate the effectiveness of coordinated global responses to cybercrime. However, authorities continue to stress the importance of public awareness and preventive measures, urging individuals to exercise caution in online interactions and financial transactions.
As investigations into the current case continue, police authorities reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling cybercrime networks and ensuring that offenders are prosecuted while victims receive restitution wherever possible.