Suspected Online Fraudsters Caught Red-Handed In Akwa Ibom, Stolen Funds Recovered

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested three individuals believed to be part of a syndicate responsible for defrauding unsuspecting members of the public across the state. According to a statement from the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the arrests followed multiple complaints received by the police.

Acting on the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, the Command launched a technical intelligence-led operation in July 2025. This effort led to the apprehension of the three prime suspects on September 5, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., at their hideout in the Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.

The suspects have been identified as Prince Francis Albert, 27, of Edemeya village, Ikot Abasi LGA; Augustine Bassey, 39, of Okobo LGA; and Mbetobong Godwin, 35, of Ibesikpo LGA. Albert, alleged to be the gang leader, confessed to luring victims from various states using multiple phone numbers. He admitted that his criminal activities began in 2022 after graduating from Sokoto State Polytechnic and claimed to have successfully defrauded several high-profile individuals, including politicians, military personnel, and senior police officers, by assuming fake identities. Albert reportedly moved from Oyo State to Akwa Ibom in April 2025 to evade law enforcement and sourced victims’ contact information from marriage invitations, obituary notices, complimentary cards, and online platforms.

Bassey, a POS operator, allegedly facilitated the receipt of scammed funds through his OPay account (number 8081732375) and admitted to handling substantial sums of money from victims between April and August 2025. Godwin, who shared a residence with Albert, also confessed to receiving funds via his OPay account (number 8160526905).

DSP John confirmed that all three suspects are cooperating with authorities to recover SIM cards and assist in identifying and apprehending other members of the syndicate who remain at large. She urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police.