The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the return of $23,000 recovered from a Nigerian man accused of operating an international online romance scam to the victim in the Cayman Islands.
In a statement issued on Friday, police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said the funds were recovered by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau, NCB, Abuja.
The recovery followed a formal request from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, which sought Nigeria’s assistance in probing the activities of one Achufusi Obioma Ikenna.
Hundeyin explained that operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja carried out covert, intelligence-driven investigations that resulted in Ikenna’s arrest and the recovery of the stolen funds.
He added that after all required legal and administrative procedures were completed, the money was officially handed over to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service through the British High Commission in Abuja, represented by Mr Shaun McLeary, for onward transmission to the victim.
According to the police, Ikenna will be charged to court at the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
The Force Public Relations Officer described the successful recovery and repatriation of the funds as further evidence of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, strong international cooperation, and the dismantling of cross-border cybercrime operations.
“The Force remains resolute in ensuring that proceeds of crime are traced, recovered and returned to victims, while perpetrators are identified and brought to justice in accordance with the law and international best practices,” the statement said.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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