The Enugu State Police Command has apprehended three individuals, including a banker, for allegedly conspiring to defraud a customer of ₦4 million through identity theft. The suspects, identified as Ndulaka Okwudili, a former bank employee Ifeanyi Nnamani, and National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment agent Philip Ozogwu, were arrested on October 18, 2024.
In a statement on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, revealed that the suspects used the identity of Australia-based Nigerian, Mba Ndukwe, to perpetrate the fraud.
Okwudili reportedly came across a bag containing personal items, including SIM cards, in October 2023 at Nowas Junction, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu. In January 2024, he inserted one of the SIM cards into his phone and discovered the account linked to it had significant funds. This prompted him and accomplices, some of whom remain at large, to begin withdrawing funds from the victim’s account using USSD banking codes.
By September 2024, when Okwudili faced difficulties accessing the account, he sought help from Nnamani, who had worked at the victim’s bank for 17 years. Nnamani discovered the account had been flagged with a “Post No Debit” status and advised Okwudili to acquire a court affidavit and alter his NIN details to match those of the account holder.
Okwudili then enlisted Ozogwu, who allegedly modified his NIN information, including name and date of birth, to mirror the victim’s details. Okwudili reportedly paid Ozogwu ₦40,000 for the service.
Using the fraudulent NIN, Nnamani reactivated the account, bypassing key verification processes, including the Bank Verification Number (BVN). Okwudili withdrew ₦100,000 initially, giving Nnamani ₦50,000 as a reward for his assistance. Subsequent withdrawals totaling ₦1.5 million raised red flags at the victim’s home branch in Ohafia, Abia State. The bank alerted the police after discovering the fraudulent activity.
Police arrested Okwudili and Nnamani during an attempted transaction on October 18, with Ozogwu apprehended later.
The suspects face charges of conspiracy, identity theft, forgery, and fraud at the Enugu North Magistrate Court. The court ordered the remand of Okwudili and Nnamani at the Enugu Maximum Custodial Centre, while Ozogwu was granted bail pending further investigation.
Commissioner of Police Kanayo Uzuegbu commended the bank’s vigilance in uncovering the fraud and urged the public to secure personal information and devices to prevent similar crimes.
