KASU Cybercafe Scam: Three Operators Nabbed For Defrauding 300 Students Of N60m

KASU Cybercafe Scam: Three Operators Nabbed For Defrauding 300 Students Of N60m

In a major breakthrough, the Kaduna State Police Command has successfully apprehended three cybercafe operators accused of orchestrating an elaborate scam that targeted 300 students at….CONTINUE READING

Kaduna State University (KASU), resulting in a staggering sum of N60 million fraudulently obtained tuition fees.

The suspects, identified as Muhammad Uthman Busari, AbdulAzeez Hamza, and Noel Nims Audiya, were exposed for exploiting the students’ vulnerability in an elaborate scheme to compromise the university’s registration portal.

According to ASP Mansir Hassan, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Command, the cybercriminals specifically targeted students who opted for online tuition fee payments.

Detailing their modus operandi, ASP Mansir explained that the fraudsters, operating from various cybercafes, would collect full tuition fees from students and deposit a lesser amount into the State’s Treasury Single Account (TSA).

To cover their tracks, they manipulated electronic transaction receipts from the TSA, making it appear as if the payments were completed in full.

The fraudulent activities, spanning over 300 students, resulted in a financial loss exceeding N60 million. The principal suspect, Muhammad Uthman Busari, allegedly utilized the ill-gotten gains to finance the construction and furnishing of a house, purchase a car, acquire electronic appliances and gadgets, and obtain plots of land in both Kaduna and Kwara States.

ASP Mansir assured that the suspects have been formally charged and are scheduled to face prosecution in court. The Commissioner of Police in Kaduna, A D Ali, has taken proactive measures to combat computer-related crimes by establishing a dedicated cybercrime unit.

This unit is mandated to investigate offenses related to cybercrime, including but not limited to social media account hacking, fake purchase alerts, deceptive social romance, cryptocurrency/Forex frauds, and other related offenses within the state. Victims are encouraged to report such crimes for prompt and appropriate action.