Police reject N174m bribe, arrest suspected internet fraudster in Lagos

Policemen from the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, comprising Lagos and Ogun states, have arrested a suspected internet fraudster who allegedly offered a ₦174 million bribe to avoid prosecution.

The suspect, identified as Patrick Akpoguma, is alleged to have been involved in various types of internet-related fraud, including romance scams, identity theft, cyber hacking, cryptocurrency fraud, ritualism, and cultism. Despite the bribe attempt, operatives of the command rejected the offer.

According to the police, the suspect offered the sum of $100,000 USD (One Hundred Thousand Dollars), equivalent to about ₦174 million, to law enforcement officials.

The Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, Adegoke Fayoade, while briefing newsmen on Friday afternoon, revealed that investigations into Akpoguma began on November 7, 2024, following complaints from residents of Chevron Drive, Lekki, where the suspect resides.

AIG Fayoade stated, “Patrick Akpoguma admitted to being involved in what is known as romance scams and other cryptocurrency-related scams. He meets various people online and presents himself as a notable and famous Caucasian American, such as Colonel Matt Herbert, a serving U.S. Army officer currently on a peacekeeping mission in Iran. He also impersonates Adam Taggart, a renowned cryptocurrency and stock brokerage expert in the United States.”

The AIG further disclosed that Akpoguma used these fake identities to lure unsuspecting victims into fraudulent schemes. “He convinced his unsuspecting victims that he is a top executive working on several projects that require funding, which leads him to request loans,” Fayoade explained.

The police boss further disclosed, “Typically, he receives these loans via his Bitcoin Trust Wallet or through blockchain transactions. So far, he has defrauded over seven victims using this method.”

To execute these fraudulent activities, the suspect reportedly created a fake Instagram account under the name ‘Adam Taggart.’ The police boss explained, “This account allowed him to purchase a silicone face and hand mask from maskmakers.com, which was delivered to his residence on Chevron Drive, Lekki.”

The AIG added, “He paid $11,200 USD for the manufacturing of this mask, which he used to impersonate Adam Taggart on Facebook and Instagram.”

Revealing further details, AIG Fayoade said, “Surprisingly, during the investigation, the suspect began pleading and offering money to be let off the hook. Once I was informed about this, I instructed my detectives from the Raider team, led by CSP Ngozi Braide, to play along. On November 12, 2024, he offered the sum of $100,000 USD (One Hundred Thousand Dollars), equivalent to about One Hundred and Seventy-Four Million Naira. The money was accepted, registered as evidence, and the investigation continued. So far, the investigation has been concluded, and the suspect will be arraigned accordingly.”

Speaking with newsmen, the suspect admitted to turning to fraud three years ago, citing frustration over his inability to find meaningful employment. “I am a graduate of Mechanical Engineering, and I am 28 years old. After leaving school, it became clear that I needed to find my own path and try to get on my feet. I decided to try fraud while I looked for something legitimate,” he confessed.

The suspect also revealed details about his lifestyle and fraudulent activities. “I started doing fraud three years ago, and since then, I’ve made over $500,000 USD. I have achieved a lot. I own a house in Lagos, a house in Edo State, and a GLE Benz worth N100 million,” he stated.

He explained his approach to defrauding victims, adding, “Once I defraud people and feel I have taken enough from them, I simply walk away. I don’t leave them penniless.”

Regarding his encounter with the police, the suspect admitted that it was his first experience with law enforcement. “In my three years of fraud, I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad encounter with the police. This is the first time I’ve been in contact with the police. I was just trying to negotiate with them, and I thought they were actually responding to the negotiation.”

He commended the integrity of the officers involved in his case, saying, “I must confess, it’s a good step for the Nigerian police and the Nigerian people to regain their trust in the police for being transparent. It’s good to know that some credible officers are still out there, willing to see justice done.”

The suspect also used the opportunity to advise others who might be involved in similar activities: “My advice to people like me is: I would advise everyone to be more diligent, stay focused on the process, find something legitimate, and grow. Because I believe that what is legitimate has the space and platform to grow, whereas illegitimate income is not dependent on you, and it has no space for growth.”

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