BY VIVIAN MICHAEL
The Nigeria Police Force, through Interpol, National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja, on Tuesday, arraigned two suspects, Ms. Okeke Ogechi Njaka and Robert Harms, over alleged transnational financial and cybercrimes.
Robert Harms, a Canadian citizen and Ms Njaka, are facing separate charges of investment fraud, cyberstalking, and financial deception.
A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Tuesday, said that Harms was apprehended in connection with a fraudulent investment scheme targeting Tepison Enterprises in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
In a formal complaint filed by the company, the suspect was said to be introduced to them in June 2023 via a Polaris Bank account officer, luring them into investing $210,000 in a fake Waste-to-Energy Project in Canada.
According to investigators, Harms created a fake ‘Project Bridge Loan Agreement’ and facilitated the transfer of the funds to an account in Dubai using Allah Mai Girma Bureau de Change in Abuja.
Meanwhile, investigation revealed that the suspect had no legitimate connection to VDQ-NRG Systems Limited, the Canadian company he claimed to represent. The company’s CEO denied any association with him.
Harms was arrested by Interpol operatives at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on February 7, 2025, while attempting to flee to Canada.
Upon questioning, he reportedly admitted to receiving the funds and breaching the investment agreement. He was formally charged at the Federal High Court in Uyo on April 22, and arraigned on May 9, 2025.
The court remanded him at Uyo Custodial Centre, with the next hearing scheduled for May 20.
In a separate operation, Ms. Njaka, a suspect long wanted for multiple cybercrime and fraud offences, was re-arrested in Abuja on May 8, 2025.
She faces allegations including cyberbullying, cyberstalking, obtaining money under false pretenses, cheating, and breach of trust.