Four Nigerians Arrested in Abuja for Hacking Banks, Fraudulently Withdrawing Funds
By Okafor Joseph Afam
October 29, 2024
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended four suspects in Abuja over their alleged involvement in a syndicate responsible for hacking into bank databases and making fraudulent withdrawals from customers’ accounts. Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Head of Media & Publicity, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
The suspected mastermind, Chima Anthony Nwigwe, was arrested along with three accomplices: Effiong Victor Emmanuel, Mohammed Bello (the managing director of Downstone Ultimate Limited Mahmud), and Daminan Ali. They are accused of conspiracy, unauthorized access to banking systems, and illegally withdrawing funds belonging to depositors.
According to Oyewale, the arrests were made during a “sting operation in Abuja, following actionable intelligence regarding the suspects’ activities in hacking and compromising commercial bank databases.” The suspects allegedly orchestrated fraudulent transfers and withdrawals using various digital platforms, impacting multiple banks.
The EFCC stated that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged in court once the investigations are concluded.
