Enugu Police Arrest Banker, Two Others for Fraudulent N4 Million Withdrawal from Abroad-Based Customer’s Account

The Enugu State Police Command has apprehended a banker and two accomplices for their alleged roles in the fraudulent withdrawal of over N4 million from the account of an Australia-based Nigerian through identity theft. The suspects, identified as Ndulaka Okwudili, aged 26, Ifeanyi Nnamani, a former employee of a commercial bank, and 44-year-old Philip Ozogwu, a National Identification Number (NIN) enrollment agent, were arrested following investigations into the crime.

According to a statement issued by the police spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the arrests occurred on October 18, 2024, after the management of a bank branch raised an alarm over suspicious activity on the account of the victim, identified as Mba John Ndukwe. Investigations revealed that the suspects had conspired to steal the victim’s identity and access his bank account.

The statement detailed the roles of each suspect. Ndulaka Okwudili confessed that his involvement began in October 2023 when he found a bag containing personal items, including SIM cards, at Nowas Junction in Trans-Ekulu, Enugu. Using one of the SIM cards, he discovered a significant credit alert in January 2024 and, along with others still at large, exploited the victim’s USSD banking code to withdraw funds. When further access was restricted by September 2024, Okwudili approached Ifeanyi Nnamani, a seasoned bank employee, who advised him to alter his NIN details to match those of the victim.

Okwudili then enlisted the services of Philip Ozogwu, who unlawfully modified his NIN records for a fee of N40,000, enabling him to bypass the bank’s security protocols. With these forged documents, Nnamani facilitated the reactivation of the victim’s account, allowing Okwudili to withdraw funds. Nnamani reportedly received N50,000 for his part in the crime.

The fraudulent activity came to light after a withdrawal of N1.5 million triggered an alert from the bank’s Ohafia branch in Abia State, where the account was originally opened. This led to a detailed investigation and the eventual arrests of the suspects. Okwudili and Nnamani were apprehended during a transaction attempt, while Ozogwu was arrested later.

The suspects were arraigned before an Enugu State Magistrate Court, where Okwudili and Nnamani were remanded in the Enugu Maximum Custodial Centre. Ozogwu was granted bail as investigations into his role continued. The case file has been forwarded to the state’s Attorney General for further legal proceedings.

The Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, commended the bank for its proactive measures in uncovering the fraud. He urged the public to safeguard personal identification information and electronic devices containing sensitive data to prevent similar crimes.