Police Reject ₦174 Million Bribe from Lagos Internet Fraudster
Operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command in Lagos rejected a bribe of ₦174 million from Patrick Akpoguma, a 28-year-old suspected internet fraudster. Akpoguma is accused of various cyber crimes, including romance scams, identity theft, hacking, cryptocurrency fraud, ritualism, and cultism.
During a recent interview, Akpoguma explained that he tried to clear his name, which led him to offer bribes to the police. He proposed a payment of $100,000 USD (about ₦174 million) to secure his release.
Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Adegoke Fayoade explained that the investigation started on November 7, 2024, after residents of Chevron Drive in Lekki reported suspicious activities. Akpoguma used deceitful tactics to convince victims he was a top executive seeking loans for various projects. He received these loans through Bitcoin and other blockchain transactions, defrauding at least seven victims.
To enhance his scams, Akpoguma created a fake Instagram account under the name ‘Adam Taggart.’ He purchased a silicone mask to impersonate this identity, spending $11,200 USD on it. This allowed him to deceive victims on Facebook and Instagram.
How does the police response to corruption attempts affect efforts to combat cyber crime?
Exclusive Interview: A Closer Look at Cyber Crime and Corruption with AIG Adegoke Fayoade
In light of recent events, we spoke with Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Adegoke Fayoade of the Zone 2 Police Command in Lagos, following the arrest of 28-year-old Patrick Akpoguma, a suspected internet fraudster who allegedly attempted to bribe the police with ₦174 million.
News Directory 3: AIG Fayoade, thank you for joining us. Can you provide us with a timeline of events leading to Mr. Akpoguma’s arrest?
AIG Fayoade: Certainly. The investigation commenced on November 7, 2024, after several residents in Chevron Drive, Lekki, reported suspicious activities. Our team began gathering evidence which ultimately led us to Akpoguma. His tactics were deceptive, as he posed as a top executive seeking loans for various projects, primarily defrauding victims through cryptocurrency transactions.
News Directory 3: You mentioned that Akpoguma employed a fake identity. How did that play into his schemes?
AIG Fayoade: Yes, he created a fake Instagram account under the alias ‘Adam Taggart.’ To convincingly portray this persona, he even purchased a silicone mask for an exorbitant sum. This level of preparation reflects the lengths to which fraudsters will go to mislead their victims.
News Directory 3: During the investigation, Akpoguma offered a bribe to the police. How did your team respond?
AIG Fayoade: Our detectives, led by CSP Ngozi Braid, received the bribe as evidence. Our commitment is to uphold integrity in our operations, and such instances of attempted corruption only strengthen our resolve to combat cybercrime and fraud.
News Directory 3: Akpoguma stated his motivations for engaging in fraud. Can you shed light on the mindset of individuals like him?
AIG Fayoade: It’s not uncommon for individuals feeling overqualified for regular employment to seek quick alternatives, as Akpoguma claimed. However, his reasoning does not excuse his actions. Fraud not only steals money but also trust. We urge young individuals to pursue legitimate paths rather than turn to crime.
News Directory 3: Can you tell us about the impact these cyber crimes have on victims and communities?
AIG Fayoade: The impact is profound. Victims suffer not only financial loss but also emotional trauma. Communities are affected as trust erodes and individuals become wary of assistance requests. Our duty is to address and mitigate these crimes effectively.
News Directory 3: What’s next for Akpoguma now that the investigation is concluded?
AIG Fayoade: He will face charges, and we are preparing a comprehensive case against him. Our goal is to ensure justice is served, and to deter others from engaging in similar activities.
News Directory 3: Thank you, AIG Fayoade, for sharing your insights and updates on this crucial investigation.
AIG Fayoade: Thank you for having me. It’s imperative we continue to raise awareness about cyber crime and work together as a community to combat it.
AIG Fayoade also revealed that Akpoguma offered a bribe during the investigation. Detectives, led by CSP Ngozi Braid, accepted the bribe as evidence. The investigation is now concluded, and Akpoguma will face charges.
In his confession, Akpoguma, a graduate of Mechanical Engineering, stated he turned to fraud three years ago because he felt too intelligent for a regular job. He claimed to have earned over $500,000 USD during this time and owns properties in Lagos and Edo State, as well as a GLE Benz worth ₦100 million. He admitted that when he defrauds people, he usually leaves them with some money to avoid leaving them completely broke.