Odita Sunday 
Police Nab Suspects in ₦7.7bn Telecom Fraud, Recover Houses, Cash, Vehicle
By Odita Sunday
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has arrested several suspects linked to a massive telecom fraud syndicate that allegedly defrauded a leading telecommunications company of services valued at about ₦7.7 billion.
According to DSP Unwana Imah, Police Public Liaison Officer of the NPF-NCCC, the breakthrough followed an extensive investigation into allegations of computer-related fraud, unauthorized access to computer systems and theft of telecom services.
Imah disclosed that the investigation was launched after a major telecommunications provider reported the compromise and unauthorized use of staff login credentials.
She explained that preliminary findings revealed that between October 1 and November 28, 2024, the suspects illegally accessed the company’s network billing infrastructure and fraudulently generated airtime, which was subsequently converted into data bundles and sold through a network of vendors across the country.
The police spokesperson said several suspects were arrested during the operation, while investigators recovered more than 400 laptops, 1,000 mobile phones, Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, cash exhibits and other incriminating materials.
She added that the affected telecommunications company was able to reverse approximately 2,931.79 terabytes of fraudulently obtained data valued at about ₦3.8 billion.
Further investigations, according to the NPF-NCCC, uncovered the involvement of both insiders and external collaborators in the criminal operation.
Imah said a second phase of coordinated operations carried out in May 2026 across Kano, Katsina and Zamfara states led to the arrest of key suspects identified as Musa Muhammed Kwandi, Nura Sadauki and Aminu Muhammed.
Other suspects arrested in connection with the fraud include Musa Hassan Mohammed, an Information Technology specialist, Samson Alisigwe and Yusuf Shehu, all of whom are believed to have benefited from the proceeds of the illicit activities.
The police further revealed that financial investigations and asset-tracing efforts led to the recovery of nearly ₦90 million, two residential houses in Kano State, a mini-plaza and a Toyota RAV4 vehicle allegedly acquired with proceeds of the crime.
According to Imah, investigations are still ongoing to identify other accomplices, trace additional proceeds and ensure the prosecution of all persons found culpable.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding the nation’s critical digital infrastructure and combating cybercrime in all its forms.
The police urged members of the public with relevant information to contact the NPF-NCCC through its e-reporting portal and official social media platforms.
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