JUST IN: Nigeria Police repatriate $23,000 to victim scammed by ‘yahoo boys’
The Nigeria Police Force has repatriated $23,000 recovered from an international romance scam to a victim in the Cayman Islands.
The repatriation was carried out by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, following a request from the Royal Cayman Islands police service for assistance in investigating a Nigerian national involved in an online romance scam.
Police said the suspect, identified as Achufusi Obioma Ikenna, allegedly defrauded a resident of the Cayman Islands through the scheme.
Acting on the request, the INTERPOL NCB Abuja conducted intelligence-led investigations which led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the $23,000.
The police said the funds were repatriated after the completion of all necessary documentation and in collaboration with international partners.
The recovered sum was formally handed over to the Royal Cayman Islands police service through the British high commission in Abuja, represented by Shaun McLeary, for onward delivery to the victim.
Police added that the suspect will be arraigned in court at the conclusion of investigations.
The force said the development underscores its commitment to intelligence-driven policing, international cooperation and the disruption of transnational cybercrime networks.
“The Nigeria police force remains resolute in ensuring that proceeds of crime are traced, recovered and returned to victims, while offenders are brought to justice in line with applicable laws and international best practices,” the police said.
