Nigeria Police Arrest Canadian, Nigerian Over $210K Fraud, ₦452M Charity Scam

Abuja, Nigeria – May 12, 2025 — The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended two high-profile suspects involved in major transnational financial crimes, including a $210,000 investment fraud and a ₦452 million charity scam.

According to a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the arrests were carried out by INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja as part of a national crackdown on cybercrime and financial fraud.

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🇨🇦 Canadian Suspect Nabbed at Abuja Airport

One of the suspects, Robert Harms, a Canadian national, was arrested on February 7, 2025, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while allegedly attempting to flee the country.

Harms was implicated in a fraudulent Waste-to-Energy investment scheme, in which Tepison Enterprises, a company based in Akwa Ibom State, was duped into transferring $210,000.

“The scheme, introduced via a Polaris Bank staff member, involved fake documents and the use of a Bureau de Change in Abuja to funnel money to Dubai,” police said.

Harms was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Uyo on May 9, following charges filed on April 22. He was remanded in Uyo Custodial Centre, and the case was adjourned to May 20, 2025.

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🇳🇬 Nigerian Woman Re-Arrested Over ₦452M Charity Fraud

In a separate development, Ms. Okeke Ogechi Njaka, a Nigerian, was re-arrested on May 8 in Abuja after being on the run since 2021.

She was originally arrested in Anambra State in January 2021 for charges including:

• Cyberbullying
• Cyberstalking
• Obtaining money under false pretences
• Criminal breach of trust

She later absconded after being granted administrative bail.

“Persistent intelligence-led efforts led to her re-arrest at a hideout in Abuja,” Adejobi stated.

Njaka is also being prosecuted alongside her NGO, Ogechi Helping Hands Foundation, for allegedly defrauding the public of over ₦452 million under the guise of a fake medical aid scheme. Two additional suspects — Emeka Ezeogbo and the Tolotolo Family Foundation — are being prosecuted in connection with the same fraud.

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🛡️ Police Issue Public Warning

Inspector-General of Police IGP Kayode Egbetokun reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to curbing cyber and financial crimes. He urged Nigerians to remain cautious in high-value international dealings.

“We emphasise our unyielding resolve to combat all forms of transnational financial crimes and urge the public to exercise due diligence before entering into international agreements,” the statement read.