The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a suspect, Emwanta Eghosa Smith, over an alleged $550,000 fraud involving identity theft and money laundering linked to a United States citizen.
The development was disclosed in a statement shared on the official page of the Nigeria Police Force on March 31, 2026.
According to the police, the case began after an American woman reported that she was defrauded of the money between October 2025 and January 2026 through online dealings.
Operatives of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Abuja, were said to have tracked the suspect to Benin City, Edo State, where he was eventually arrested on March 26 following an operation conducted between March 23 and 26.
According to the statement, preliminary findings showed that the suspect allegedly impersonated top government officials and other notable personalities to gain the victim’s trust, before convincing her to transfer funds through cryptocurrency platforms.
Police further revealed that proceeds from the alleged crime were used to acquire five vehicles and an uncompleted building in Benin City, all of which have now been recovered.
It was further noted that counterfeit cash worth $10,000 was found in the suspect’s possession.
Reacting to the arrest, the Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, said the Force is intensifying efforts against cyber related crimes.
“The Nigeria Police Force will continue to strengthen collaboration with international partners to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice and victims are protected,” he stated.
He also warned Nigerians to be cautious in their online interactions, especially those involving financial transactions.
“Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies,” he added.