The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended two high-profile suspects, Robert Harms, a Canadian, and Ms. Okeke Njaka, a Nigerian, for their alleged involvement in a $210,000 investment scam and a N452 million charity fraud scheme, respectively.
The arrests were confirmed by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Abuja, coordinated by INTERPOL operatives.
Robert Harms was arrested for orchestrating a fraudulent investment scheme targeting Tepison Enterprises in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State. Investigations revealed that Harms, introduced to the company by a Polaris Bank officer in June 2023, convinced Tepison Enterprises to invest $210,000 in a fictitious Waste-to-Energy Project in Canada, promising a $30,000 return within four weeks. Under this false pretense, the company transferred the funds to secure a fabricated ‘capital project bond.’ Further inquiries uncovered that Harms forged a “Project Bridge Loan Agreement” and funneled the money through a Bureau de Change in Abuja to an account in Dubai. He also falsely claimed ties with VDQ-NRG Systems Limited, a claim denied by the company’s CEO. Harms was arrested at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on February 7, 2025, while attempting to flee to Canada. He admitted to receiving the money and breaching the investment agreement and was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Uyo, on May 9, 2025, with the case adjourned to May 20.
In a separate operation, INTERPOL re-arrested Ms. Okeke Njaka, wanted for cybercrimes and large-scale financial fraud. Initially arrested in Anambra on January 4, 2025, for cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and obtaining money under false pretences, Njaka jumped bail and went into hiding. Investigations revealed her active role in cyberstalking and the malicious distribution of nude photos and videos of victims on social media. Declared wanted in 2021, she was re-arrested in Abuja on May 8, 2025. Njaka’s NGO, Ogechi Helping Hands Foundation, is also under prosecution for defrauding the public of N452,821,982 through a fake medical assistance scheme. The foundation and its associates face prosecution at the Federal High Court, Abuja. Njaka is scheduled for arraignment on May 13.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the police’s commitment to combating transnational financial crimes and urged Nigerians to exercise caution in international business dealings. He emphasized the need for due diligence and prompt reporting of suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
