Nigerian Suspect Linked to Larger Cyber Fraud Syndicate
The Cyber Cell of Delhi Police, India, has arrested a Nigerian national, Patrick Ngomere, for allegedly hacking the email account of Family Care Pvt. Limited, a pharmaceutical company, and fraudulently transferring Rs 11.73 lakh (approximately $13,361) to a fraudulent bank account. Ngomere, who was residing in Greater Noida without a valid Indian visa, is believed to be part of a larger syndicate involved in various cyber frauds across the country.
According to a report by India’s National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, Ngomere confessed to the crime after being arrested near an ATM. His mobile phone was linked to the fraudulent bank account used in the scam. The incident came to light when the pharmaceutical company received an email on December 10, 2024, impersonating its vendor, Accent Pharma, requesting payment to a new bank account. Unaware of the fraud, the company transferred Rs 11.76 lakh, only to discover later that its email had been hacked.
How the Scam Unfolded
The scam began when the pharmaceutical company received an email from what appeared to be its vendor, Accent Pharma. The email requested that future payments be made to a new bank account. Trusting the communication, the company transferred Rs 11.76 lakh to the specified account. However, upon verification, they realized the email was fraudulent and immediately reported the incident to the cybercrime unit.
Investigators traced the hacked email to Nigeria and tracked the transferred funds to a bank account in Manipur, India. Surveillance footage led to Ngomere’s arrest near an ATM. During interrogation, Ngomere confessed to his involvement in the scam. He was found to be residing in India without a valid visa, raising suspicions that he is part of a larger international cyber fraud syndicate.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigations
An FIR (First Information Report) has been registered against Ngomere under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Indian Penal Code) and the Foreigners Act. The Delhi Police Cyber Cell is continuing its investigation to uncover the full extent of the syndicate’s operations and identify other individuals involved in the scam.
A Pattern of Cyber Fraud
This incident is not isolated. In recent years, there has been a rise in cyber fraud cases involving Nigerian nationals operating in India. These syndicates often use sophisticated methods to hack email accounts, impersonate vendors, and siphon off funds from unsuspecting companies. The arrest of Ngomere highlights the need for increased vigilance and stronger cybersecurity measures to combat such crimes.
Cult Clash in Rivers State Leaves 19 Dead
Renewed Violence Sparks Panic in Obelle Community
In a separate development, no fewer than 19 people were feared killed in a renewed cult clash in Obelle Community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. The violence, which erupted on Sunday, has sparked panic in the area, with residents fleeing for safety.
The clash is believed to be a continuation of a long-standing rivalry between two cult groups, Deybam and Icelanders, who are fighting for supremacy in the community. The violence began on Wednesday when unidentified gunmen, suspected to be members of a cult group, invaded the community and killed seven people. The situation escalated on Sunday when the rival group retaliated, leading to a deadly confrontation.
Eyewitness Accounts
A source in the community, who identified himself as Kingsley, described the chaotic scene: “On Sunday, cultists clashed in our community. Many people have been killed. Innocent people were killed. The shooting was too much, and the people started leaving the community. About 19 people have been killed. On Sunday morning, some cultists came out and started shooting. They were attacking relatives of the people they said were members of the gang that killed their members. It did not take long for the other group to arrive, and they started shooting at each other. People from both groups also died.”
Kingsley called on the government to intervene, saying, “We are calling on the government to come to our aid. These cults are trying to scatter the people we have in this community. We want the police and army to help us.”
Police Confirmation and Response
The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, stating that the clash was linked to a dispute over levies from an oil company operating in the area. She said, “It is a cult clash between loyalists of Naked Wire and Carol. They are fighting over the control of levies from an oil company operative in the area. About 10 confirmed dead. No arrest yet, but investigation is ongoing.”
Conclusion
The arrest of Patrick Ngomere in India and the cult clash in Rivers State highlight two very different but equally pressing issues. While the cyber fraud case underscores the need for stronger cybersecurity measures and international cooperation to combat cybercrime, the cult violence in Nigeria calls for urgent action to address the root causes of such conflicts and restore peace in affected communities.
Both incidents serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in tackling crime in an increasingly interconnected world. As investigations continue, the hope is that justice will be served, and measures will be put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.
