WhatsApp Account Hijacking Syndicate Taken Down by Police
Law Enforcement Disrupts Criminal Network Hacking WhatsApp Accounts of Prominent Individuals
In a significant operation led by the National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), the Nigeria Police Force has uncovered and dismantled a high-level cybercrime group responsible for the illicit hijacking of several WhatsApp accounts, many of which belonged to notable individuals. The operation came to light after a formal complaint was filed on April 14, 2025, leading to the arrest of a key suspect, Onajite Okoro, in Warri, Delta State.
According to a statement from Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the suspect, Onajite Okoro, revealed his connection with an accomplice known as "Chief Mallam Zaki". Okoro allegedly aided in registering SIM cards, linking them to multiple bank accounts, and facilitating fraudulent transactions across numerous Nigerian banks at the behest of Chief Mallam Zaki, whom Okoro had met on Facebook.
The statement emphasized that advanced digital forensics and cutting-edge investigative techniques were instrumental in tracing the racketeering activities, and millions of naira in stolen funds have since been frozen. Police operatives also seized fraudulent devices and financial records linking Okoro to the criminal activity, while further efforts are being made to apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the force's strict stance against cybercrimes and stressed that anyone involved would face the full consequences of the law. The IGP pledged continued collaboration with financial institutions and other stakeholders to deepen the investigation and secure complete justice.
The IGP also emphasized that the Police would promptly respond to any digital threat targeting Nigerian citizens or institutions. In line with this, the Police advised citizens to adopt safe digital practices such as enabling multi-factor authentication, being vigilant about unsolicited messages—even from known contacts—and refraining from clicking on suspicious links or sharing sensitive information.
ACP Adejobi stressed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to the security of Nigeria's cyberspace, stating that no matter the status of the offenders or their targets, justice will be served. The Police encouraged the community to promptly report any suspicious online activity and promised that the Force would continue to enhance its cybercrime defense capacity in response to evolving digital threats.
As the investigation unfolds, you might be interested in the following related police news:
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[1] Source: The Punch News - https://www.punchng.com/nigeria-police-arrest-key-suspect-behind-whatsapp-account-hijackings/[2] Source: dailytrust.com - https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/police-arrest-notorious-phisher/[3] Source: Vanguard News - https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/04/police-arrest-suspected-whatsapp-account-hijacker/[4] Source: Sahara Reporters - https://www.saharareporters.com/2023/04/18/nigeria-police-arrest-whatsapp-account-hacker-linked-financial-fraud- delta-state-sources
- The Nigeria Police Force revealed the dismantling of a cybercrime group involved in WhatsApp account hijackings, including those of notable individuals, in a significant operation by the National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC).
- ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, reported that the arrested suspect, Onajite Okoro, admitted his connection with an accomplice known as "Chief Mallam Zaki," who facilitated fraudulent transactions across numerous Nigerian banks.
- Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, highlighted the police's continuous dedication to countering cybercrimes and promised full legal consequences for offenders, emphasizing the Police's ongoing collaboration with financial institutions to protect Nigeria's cyberspace.
- The statement encouraged citizens to adopt secure digital practices, such as multi-factor authentication, vigilance about unsolicited messages, and abstaining from clicking on suspicious links or sharing sensitive information.
- ACP Adejobi expressed the Nigeria Police Force's dedication to ensuring justice in all digital threats, whether targeting citizens or institutions, and urged the community to promptly report any suspicious online activity for a swift police response.
