The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has arrested a 27-year-old suspect, Aliyu Muhammed, over an alleged online fraud involving ₦5.7 million linked to a fake Facebook marketplace page.
According to the police, the suspect is being investigated for computer-related fraud, identity theft, obtaining money by false pretence, and money laundering.
In a statement released on Friday, Acting Police Public Relations Officer of the NPF-NCCC, DSP Unwana Imah, said the arrest followed a petition filed by a university lecturer based in Akwa Ibom State.
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The complainant reportedly fell victim to an online scam in March 2026 after responding to advertisements for household items displayed on a Facebook “declutter” page identified as “SHOPHOUSEHOLDITEMS.”
Police said discussions later moved to WhatsApp, where the victim was persuaded to transfer a total of ₦5.7 million into different fintech bank accounts for the purchase of the advertised items.
However, after payment was completed, the goods were never delivered. The victim was subsequently blocked on WhatsApp, while the Facebook page used for the transaction was abandoned.
The police disclosed that investigators, working with technical intelligence tools and support from Meta Inc., traced the account linked to the fraudulent page to Katsina State, where the suspect was arrested.
Authorities added that the full amount allegedly obtained from the victim has been recovered, while further investigations continue.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to tackling cybercrime and protecting citizens from online fraudsters.
The police also advised Nigerians to exercise caution when conducting business on social media platforms by verifying sellers before making payments, especially for expensive purchases.
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