The Enugu State Police Command has arrested three individuals, including a former banker, for allegedly conspiring to defraud an Australian-based Nigerian, Mba Ndukwe, of N4 million through identity theft.
The suspects, identified as Ndulaka Okwudili, Ifeanyi Nnamani, and Philip Ozogwu, were apprehended on October 18, 2024, following months of fraudulent activities.
According to a statement released by DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the police spokesperson, the fraud began in October 2023 when Okwudili claimed to have discovered a bag containing personal items, including SIM cards, at Nowas Junction, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu.
In January 2024, Okwudili inserted one of the SIM cards into his phone and received a significant credit alert. This discovery spurred him and his accomplices to begin withdrawing money from the victim’s account using USSD banking codes.
However, by September 2024, when access to the account became difficult due to restrictions, Okwudili sought the help of Ifeanyi Nnamani, a former employee of the victim’s bank who had worked there for 17 years.
Nnamani discovered that the account had been flagged with a “Post No Debit” status. He advised Okwudili to falsify court documents and alter his National Identification Number details to match the victim’s.
Okwudili then approached Philip Ozogwu, an agent for NIN enrolment, who reportedly modified his details—including name and date of birth—for a fee of N40,000.
Using the falsified NIN, Nnamani bypassed the bank’s verification systems, including the BVN checks, to reactivate the account.
The suspects managed to withdraw N100,000 initially, with Okwudili giving Nnamani N50,000 as a “reward.”
They continued to siphon money until withdrawals amounting to N1.5 million raised red flags at the bank’s Ohafia, Abia State, branch, where the account was originally opened.
Following an internal investigation, the bank alerted the police. Okwudili and Nnamani were arrested during another attempted transaction on October 18, while Ozogwu was later apprehended.
The suspects were charged with conspiracy, identity theft, forgery, and fraud before the Enugu North Magistrate Court.
While Okwudili and Nnamani were remanded at the Enugu Maximum Custodial Centre, Ozogwu was granted bail pending further investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, commended the bank for its vigilance in uncovering the fraudulent scheme.
He also urged the public to take greater care in securing personal information, warning that sensitive data like SIM cards, NIN details, and BVNs are critical tools for identity theft and financial fraud.
