How Police Rejected $100,000 Bribe from 28-Year-Old Internet Fraudster in Lagos

Operatives from the Zone 2 Police Command in Onikan, Lagos, have made headlines after rejecting a $100,000 bribe (approximately N174 million) offered by 28-year-old suspected internet fraudster Patrick Akpoguma. Akpoguma, who has been implicated in a series of online fraud activities—including romance scams, identity theft, and cryptocurrency fraud—was arrested following an extensive investigation.

The investigation into Akpoguma’s criminal activities began on November 7, 2024, after complaints from residents of Chevron Drive, Lekki, where the suspect resided. During a press conference at Zone 2, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Adegoke Fayoade outlined the details of Akpoguma’s illicit activities. According to Fayoade, the suspect posed as various high-profile individuals online, including Colonel Matt Herbert, a fictional U.S. Army officer, and Adam Taggart, a purported cryptocurrency expert. He convinced victims to lend him money under false pretenses, often using cryptocurrency wallets for transactions.

“Akpoguma has defrauded at least seven victims using these tactics. He even went as far as creating a fake Instagram account for Adam Taggart and purchased a silicone mask worth $11,200 to further impersonate his victims,” Fayoade revealed.

However, the situation took an unexpected turn when Akpoguma attempted to bribe his way out of trouble. On November 12, 2024, the suspect offered $100,000 to the police in exchange for his release. The bribe was accepted as evidence, and the investigation continued.

In an interview, Akpoguma admitted to his crimes, explaining that he turned to fraud three years ago after struggling to find legitimate work despite being a Mechanical Engineering graduate. “I felt too intelligent to work for a salary, so I started defrauding people,” Akpoguma confessed. He claimed to have earned over $500,000 through fraudulent schemes, using the proceeds to acquire properties and luxury items.

Despite his years of criminal activity, Akpoguma expressed admiration for the Nigerian police’s professionalism. “It’s a good step for the Nigerian police to regain public trust. I encourage others like me to focus on legitimate work because fraud doesn’t offer long-term growth,” he said.

AIG Fayoade confirmed that the investigation had concluded, and Akpoguma will soon be arraigned in court.