The Nigeria Police Force, through its INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja, has arrested two suspects — Canadian national Robert Harms and Nigerian Okeke Ogechi Njaka — for alleged involvement in transnational investment fraud and cybercrime amounting to $210,000 and ₦452 million, respectively.
In a statement released on May 13, 2025, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the arrests represent a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing crackdown on cyber and financial crimes.
The arrest of Robert Harms followed a petition by Tepison Enterprises, based in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, over a fraudulent Waste-to-Energy project investment scheme. According to the police, Harms, introduced to the company in June 2023 through a Polaris Bank account officer, convinced Tepison to invest in a fictitious project allegedly based in Canada.
Tepison transferred $210,000 to secure a fabricated “capital project bond” with the promise of a $30,000 return in four weeks — returns that never materialized. Further investigation revealed Harms had no legitimate connection to the Canadian company VDQ-NRG Systems Limited, which he claimed to represent. The CEO of VDQ-NRG Systems confirmed Harms was unknown to the company.
Funds from the scam were allegedly moved to a Dubai account via the Allah Mai Girma Bureau de Change, Abuja. Harms was arrested by INTERPOL operatives on February 7, 2025, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while attempting to flee to Canada. He admitted to receiving the funds and violating the investment agreement.
Harms was formally charged at the Federal High Court in Uyo on April 22, 2025, and arraigned on May 9, 2025. He is currently remanded at the Uyo Custodial Centre, with the case adjourned to May 20, 2025.
In a separate case, Nigerian national Okeke Ogechi Njaka was re-arrested over allegations of cyberbullying, cyberstalking, criminal breach of trust, and fraud totaling ₦452,821,982.
Njaka, through her NGO, Ogechi Helping Hands Foundation, is accused of defrauding victims under the pretense of providing medical assistance, alongside collaborators Emeka Ezeogbo and Tolotolo Family Foundation. Legal proceedings are ongoing at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The case, which dates back to September 2020, was initiated after a complaint by Hajia Maryam Shehu, represented by M.I. Tsav & Co. Investigations revealed Njaka had allegedly used multiple social media platforms to cyberstalk victims and distribute their nude images and videos.
Njaka had previously been declared wanted in 2021 and was initially arrested in Anambra State on January 4, 2025, but later absconded after being granted administrative bail. She was re-arrested on May 8, 2025, in Abuja after an intelligence-led operation. Njaka was scheduled to be arraigned today, May 13, 2025.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s dedication to fighting financial and cybercrime, warning the public to conduct due diligence before engaging in any international financial transactions.
The police encouraged Nigerians to report suspicious activities to law enforcement promptly and assured that transnational criminals will continue to face justice.