Cyber Claws Exposed: Police Burst WhatsApp Hijack Syndicate Targeting VIPs

In a significant victory against cybercrime, the Nigeria Police Force, through its National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), has successfully dismantled a high-level syndicate responsible for the hijacking of WhatsApp accounts, many belonging to prominent Nigerians, and leveraging the compromised accounts to defraud unsuspecting contacts.

The crackdown followed a formal complaint filed on April 14, 2025, prompting a swift and intelligence-driven response by the NCCC’s cyber team. Investigators uncovered a well-structured operation that combined mobile platform manipulation with social engineering tactics to infiltrate personal accounts and gain access to sensitive financial networks.

Using cutting-edge digital forensics and deep cyber surveillance tools, the team traced the illicit digital footprints through multiple Nigerian banks. The operation led to the freezing of millions of naira linked to fraudulent transactions, effectively halting ongoing scams and preserving the assets of many potential victims.

A major breakthrough came with the arrest of one Onajite Okoro, male, in Warri, Delta State. During interrogation, Okoro admitted to being part of the syndicate and disclosed his alliance with a shadowy accomplice known only as “Chief Mallam Zaki,” whom he met on Facebook. Okoro’s role involved registering multiple SIM cards, linking them to different bank accounts, and orchestrating the transfer of stolen funds.

Forensic analysis of devices and financial trails associated with Okoro confirmed deep involvement in the scam, and authorities believe more suspects are still at large. Investigations are ongoing, with the Nigerian Police Force intensifying efforts to locate and apprehend the remaining syndicate members.

In a statement, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, reaffirmed the Police Force’s zero-tolerance stance on cybercrime. He emphasized the urgent need for vigilance, urging Nigerians to adopt stronger digital security habits, including the use of multi-factor authentication and prompt scrutiny of unfamiliar messages, even when they appear to originate from trusted sources.

The Force is collaborating with financial institutions and other stakeholders to extend the investigation, recover additional stolen funds, and prosecute everyone involved.

This operation marks a crucial stride in safeguarding Nigeria’s digital space against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Citizens and stakeholders alike are reminded to stay informed and proactive against digital fraud.

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By Folake Sokoya