Suspected International Fraudster Arrested at Lagos Airport with 783 SIM Cards

The Airport Police Command in Lagos, in collaboration with other security agencies, has arrested a suspected international fraudster, Abraham Akpojisheri, for possessing 783 MTN SIM cards. The arrest took place on June 24, 2025, at the local wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Daramola Kazeem, the suspect, who hails from Delta State, was about to board a flight to Asaba when eagle-eyed Aviation Security personnel intercepted him. Further investigation revealed that Akpojisheri had arrived in Nigeria from South Africa on a TAG Angola airline flight earlier that day and planned to continue his journey to Asaba.

During questioning, the 29-year-old suspect confessed to being part of an international syndicate specializing in identity theft and large-scale internet fraud. He reportedly used Facebook to contact victims, creating multiple fake email accounts under foreign identities to lure them into bogus forex investments. He told investigators that the SIM cards were purchased in South Africa and were intended for hacking into people’s accounts worldwide.

The police revealed that the suspect had defrauded at least ten American victims of tens of thousands of dollars. He also admitted to working with an accomplice based in Ukraine, identified as Okiemute, who trained him in online scams and account hacking. Authorities say Akpojisheri is connected to criminal networks operating in Ukraine, South Africa, and Nigeria.

The Airport Commissioner of Police, CP Olufunke Adeayo Ogunbode, praised the investigating team for rejecting a bribe offered by the suspect and reiterated her commitment to ensuring criminals are brought to justice. The suspect will be charged in court upon completion of the investigation, while efforts continue to track down his accomplices.