In a daring cybercrime operation that has left the Ogun State Police Command reeling, three individuals have been arrested for hacking the WhatsApp account of the state’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) head, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Bode Ojajuni. The trio, who defrauded victims of over N1.1 million, were nabbed at their hideout in Edo State.
The arrest comes as the Commissioner of Police in Ogun, Lanre Ogunlowo, paraded the suspects and other criminals at the Eleweran command headquarters in Abeokuta. The criminals allegedly infiltrated the WhatsApp account of DCP Ojajuni, sending fraudulent messages to his contacts in an attempt to extort funds under the guise of an urgent financial need.
The suspects have been identified as Tolani Jeremiah (31), Akande Suru (20), and Edwin Jatto (24). They were apprehended by the police after a coordinated investigation traced their whereabouts to Edo State. The trio is accused of sending fraudulent messages from DCP Ojajuni’s account to his family and friends, requesting urgent transfers of funds. These funds were directed to a Moniepoint account in the name of Ichioma Ojo, amounting to a staggering N1,115,000.
“The suspects hacked into the WhatsApp account linked to DCP Bode Ojajuni’s number and impersonated him, seeking financial assistance from his trusted contacts,” said Commissioner Ogunlowo during the press briefing. “Using this deceitful method, they managed to steal over N1 million.”
The arrest of the suspects followed a series of swift actions by the Ogun Police after they were tipped off about unusual activity from DCP Ojajuni’s account. Upon recovery of six mobile phones and other devices used in the cybercrime, investigators uncovered how the suspects bypassed WhatsApp’s security using a Gmail account ([email protected]) to trick the platform’s one-time password system.
“Following the suspects’ confession, we found that they are part of a larger internet fraud syndicate preying on vulnerable citizens. They used high-tech methods to bypass security features and scam unsuspecting victims,” Ogunlowo added.
This operation, however, is just one of the many ongoing cases of cybercrime and fraud that continue to plague Nigerian citizens. While many are left grappling with the aftermath of such attacks, experts argue that the rise of online scams presents a significant threat to both personal and financial security.
Nigeria has seen a sharp rise in cybercrime activities in recent years, driven in part by the growth of mobile communication, internet access, and the increasing use of social media platforms. As more individuals embrace technology for business, communication, and personal transactions, fraudsters have seized the opportunity to exploit these channels for financial gain.
According to reports from the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), there has been a surge in cybercrime activities over the past decade, including hacking, online impersonation, and phishing scams. The case involving DCP Ojajuni is one of many incidents that highlight the vulnerability of even high-profile individuals to such attacks. With the advent of sophisticated cybercrime techniques, the need for advanced security protocols and vigilance among internet users has never been greater.
In response to this threat, the Nigerian Police Force, alongside other law enforcement agencies, has been ramping up efforts to tackle cybercrime. This includes increasing collaboration with international cybersecurity experts, as well as launching public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on how to protect their personal information online.
WhatsApp, one of the most popular messaging platforms in Nigeria, has become a prime target for cybercriminals looking to exploit unsuspecting users. In the past, scammers have impersonated individuals to request funds or personal details, knowing that many people trust messages from their contacts more than from strangers.
For DCP Ojajuni, a respected officer in Ogun’s police force, the breach was both personal and professional. While no personal data was said to have been compromised, the emotional toll on the victims—who were deceived into sending money—was significant.
Victims of similar scams often report feelings of betrayal, confusion, and anger when they learn that someone close to them was impersonated. It’s a reminder of the importance of verifying requests for financial assistance, especially when they come through social media or messaging apps.
In a separate operation, Commissioner Ogunlowo also paraded members of a child trafficking syndicate linked to a woman known only as Mama Faith, who is currently in custody at the Ibara Correctional Centre. The syndicate allegedly dealt in the abduction and illegal sale of children for adoption, an operation that saw three more suspects paraded at the police headquarters.
Among those arrested were ThankGod Taiwo (35), Patience Chikieze (54), and Oluyinka Folake (43), who were implicated in the sale of a seven-year-old girl, Mercy Akande, for N650,000. The child was rescued unharmed after the police tracked down the suspects, who had orchestrated the illegal sale in Lagos.
According to Ogunlowo, the investigation into Chikieze revealed a pattern of similar transactions in which children were purchased and sold for significant sums. Chikieze had previously bought a three-year-old boy for N250,000 and sold him for N3 million. She also attempted to sell another child, David Jesulayomi, for N1.5 million.
“The suspects were caught in the act, and thanks to diligent police work, all the children have been rescued,” said Ogunlowo. “The syndicate operated under the guise of legal adoption, using fake adoption documents and a WhatsApp group called Prema Consult to deceive buyers.”
The recovery of the children and the arrest of the traffickers is a significant victory for the Ogun State Police, who have long struggled with child trafficking syndicates operating in the region.
In his closing remarks, Commissioner Ogunlowo urged members of the public to be more vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. He emphasized that the fight against cybercrime, child trafficking, and other criminal activities could only be successful if the police had the support of the community.
“I am calling on all residents of Ogun State to support the police in our efforts to fight crime. We cannot do it alone,” Ogunlowo stated. “The people must take responsibility for their own safety and that of their loved ones.”
As the investigation continues into both the WhatsApp hack and child trafficking case, authorities are confident that they will make more arrests, sending a clear message to criminals that Ogun State will not tolerate illegal activities.
