close
Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Police nab two over alleged N25 million internet fraud in Ondo

He said that the suspects conspired and fraudulently obtained the money via a Facebook platform

• September 15, 2025
Policemen
Policemen used to illustrate story [Credit: Premium Times Nigeria]

The police in Ondo State have successfully uncovered and arrested two suspects involved in a high-profile N25 million internet fraud.

DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the command’s spokesperson, made this known in a statement made available to journalists on Monday evening in Akure.

He said that the suspects conspired and fraudulently obtained the sum of N25 million via a Facebook platform.

Mr Ayanlade said that the suspects, Ojo Oluwafemi ‘m’ and Omowunmi Balogun ‘f’, both of Ilobu, Osun State, were arrested after their victim, Prince Adebola Adeoye, petitioned the police command on Feb. 10.

According to him, investigations revealed that sometime in 2024, the suspects conspired and fraudulently obtained the money from the complainant and subsequently converted it to their personal use.

”Building on this credible complaint, detectives of the Command Special Enquiry Unit intensified intelligence gathering and strategic surveillance.

” Their efforts paid off as Ojo Oluwafemi was arrested on 29th July, 2025, at Ijebu-Ijesha, while Omowunmi Balogun was apprehended the following day, 30th July, 2025, at Shoprite Roundabout, Akure.

”Both suspects are now in custody, and the case is currently undergoing a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served.

“Meanwhile, the operation underscores the capacity of the Police to track and apprehend suspects across state boundaries.

”So, the achievement reflects the commitment of the force to ensure that fraudsters, especially those exploiting digital platforms, are not allowed to thrive unchecked.

”And it is also sending a clear message to fraudsters and cybercriminals that the Nigeria Police Force will not tolerate their activities,” he said.

The command’s spokesperson said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, warned that the command would continue to leverage intelligence-led policing to dismantle criminal networks both online and offline.

Mr Ayanlade said that the command appreciates the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, whose strategic leadership and unwavering support have continued to enhance operational effectiveness nationwide.

“His emphasis on intelligence-driven policing and technological innovation has empowered officers to deliver outstanding results, particularly in combating cyber-enabled crimes.

“The Ondo State police command, therefore, urges members of the public to remain vigilant, exercise caution in online engagements, and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.

”Together, through proactive policing and responsible citizenship, we can preserve public trust and ensure a safer society for all,” he said.

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

Abubakar Kyari

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

U.S. prisoner in cuffs

Anti-Corruption

Nigerian conman Ehis Akhimieto jailed for defrauding 400 Americans

Mr Akhimie admitted in court that he defrauded over 400 individuals and earned $6 million in ill-gotten money during the span of the scheme.

Muhammadu Dingyadi

Education

NASU, SSANU issue seven-day strike notice to FG

The Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has issued a seven-day strike notice to the federal government.

UN Women officials

Rights

Gender Equality: UN Women calls for political will, accelerated global action

Over 350 million women and girls could still be living in extreme poverty by the end of the decade if current trends persist.

Governor Alex Otti

Health

Abia revives sanitary inspection, launches tree campaign

The Abia government says the revived sanitary inspection of compounds is not for taxation or punishment but to ensure residents maintain clean surroundings.

PDP chieftains

Politics

BVAS/IREV: PDP demands legal backing for electronic result transmission

The People’s Democratic Party has called for a legal framework to enable the electronic transmission of election results from polling units prior to the 2027 general elections.