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The Nigeria Police Force, National Cyber Crime Center (NPF-NCCC) has arrested Aliyu Muhammed, 27, in connection with computer fraud, identity theft, obtaining false documents and money laundering.
A press release by the Police Public Liaison Officer, NPF-NCCC, Abuja, DSP Unwana Imah, in Abuja on Friday, said the arrest followed a petition by a university professor based in Akwa Ibom, names withheld, in March 2026.
The petitioner reportedly responded to advertisements for home improvement items on a Facebook “declutter” page operated under the name: “SHOPHOUSEHOLDITEMS.”
The seller moved the negotiations to WhatsApp, where the complainant was tricked into making total payments of ₦5.7 million into various fintech bank accounts, and after making full payment, the goods were not delivered. However, it was blocked and the fraudulent Facebook page was abandoned.
According to DSP Imah, “Upon receiving the petition, NPF-NCCC, through the technical resources and collaboration of Meta Inc, identified the owner of the account used to host the fraudulent page and he was traced to Katsina State where he was arrested. The total sum has been recovered and investigations are still ongoing.”
The centre’s spokesperson noted that “The Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, reiterates the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to combat cybercrime and protect citizens from online scammers.
“Members of the public are advised to exercise caution when transacting business on social media platforms, verify seller credentials and avoid making significant payments into unverified accounts before seeing what they are purchasing.”
