The Zone 2 Police Command in Lagos State has confirmed the arrest of two individuals associated with a syndicate responsible for hacking over 1000 bank accounts in Nigeria. The arrests were made in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, following a petition filed by the United Bank for Africa (UBA).
According to SP Hauwa Idris-Adamu, the spokesperson for the command, the suspects identified as Yusuf Ademola, aged 40, and Adesina Abiodun, aged 50, specialized in hacking local banks. The police are currently working to apprehend other accomplices involved in the criminal activity.
The investigation was initiated based on a petition submitted by UBA on May 8, 2023, which highlighted the syndicate’s internet fraud targeting various banks, particularly UBA. The suspects were tracked down with the assistance of modern technology and the expertise of the Zonal Monitoring Unit.
During interrogation, the suspects admitted to their involvement in the crimes and disclosed that they were part of a larger syndicate operating nationwide. They revealed that they utilized software to hack into customers’ accounts, enabling them to transfer funds discreetly from any bank of their choice. The fraudsters primarily relied on customers’ BVN-linked phone numbers and bank alerts for seamless money transfers.
The spokesperson, Idris-Adamu, emphasized that over 1000 customers’ accounts had been hacked and defrauded across the country. Investigations have revealed that syndicate members are located in various regions of Nigeria.
The police are intensifying their efforts to apprehend all individuals connected to the criminal network. The investigation is currently ongoing, and upon its completion, the suspects will be arraigned in court.
