The Enugu State Police Command has arrested three individuals, including a banker and a National Identification Number (NIN) enrollment agent, for alleged conspiracy and fraudulent withdrawal of N4 million through identity theft.
The suspects, Ndulaka Okwudili (26), Ifeanyi Nnamani, a former staff of a commercial bank, and Philip Ozogwu (44), a NIN enrollment agent, were arrested by operatives attached to the Central Police Division on October 18, 2024.
According to DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the command’s spokesperson, the suspects criminally conspired to steal and use the identity of an Australia-based Nigerian, Mba John Ndukwe, to commit fraud. The suspects allegedly withdrew over N4 million from the victim’s bank account through fraudulent means.
The arrest followed an alarm raised by the management of the bank’s branch after the fraudulent activities were detected on the victim’s account. Further investigation revealed that Okwudili confessed to the crime, stating that he found a bag containing personal items, including SIM cards, which he used to access the victim’s account.
The suspects have been charged with conspiracy, identity theft, forgery, and fraud before the Enugu North District Magistrate Court. Two of the suspects, Okwudili and Nnamani, were remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Custodial custody, while Ozogwu was granted bail pending further proceedings.
The Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has commended the bank for its cooperation in exposing the fraudulent activity and urged the public to exercise caution in managing personal identification information and securing devices containing sensitive data to prevent falling victim to similar crimes.
