Police Arrested 16 Suspects For Duping Interswitch — DSS Spokesman

The Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) arrested 16 suspects for their involvement in committing financial fraud against a leading African digital commerce platform, Interswitch Limited.

Eight of the suspects have been convicted while the rest eight were still facing trial.

The Spokesman of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dr. Peter Afunanya stated this as one of the successes recorded by the Centre at the joint press briefing of the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee (SCIPC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja on Monday.

Afunanya added that the sum of N3.9bn cash and properties had so far been recovered from the suspects, stressing that efforts were ongoing to recover more looted funds from the suspects.

He said the arrest and recovery followed a petition from the company regarding a glitch on its financial portal.

Afunanya said, “The Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre tackled a massive financial fraud case, acting on a petition from Interswitch Limited regarding a glitch on its financial portal.

“The swift response led to the arrest of over 16 suspects, eight of whom have been convicted. The operation recovered over 3.9 billion naira in cash, properties, and vehicles, with ongoing efforts to recover additional looted funds.”

The DSS image maker also said that police in Taraba arrested a notorious kidnapper from whom some weapons were recovered.

He said, “In a parallel operation, the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad of Taraba State command arrested a notorious kidnapper, seizing three AK-47 rifles, four magazines, 19 rounds of live ammunition, 23 expended rounds, and five solar panels from his premises.”

He further added that operatives of the Lagos State Police Command foiled a kidnapping attempt, killing nine notorious kidnappers on July 4, 2024.

“In a fierce gun battle, nine kidnappers were neutralised, and significant weaponry, including four AK-47 rifles, four locally-made semi-automatic pistols, nine AK-47 magazines, three walkie-talkies, a POS machine, a loudspeaker, and two operational vehicles were recovered,” Afunanya said, adding that investigations continued to lead to apprehending the fleeing suspects.

He highlighted successes recorded in the police rescue operation with the rescue of one Mallam Adamu Adamu in Yobe State.

“In another notable case, on April 24, 2024, 18-year-old Mallam Adamu Adamu was rescued from captivity in Kasda, Jakusko LGA, Yobe State,” Afunanya said.

He explained that police operatives raided the gang’s enclave, arresting three suspects and recovering two AK-47 rifles and a magazine with 26 rounds of live ammunition.

The DSS’ spokesperson added that the suspects will be charged to court after conclusion of investigations.