The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the return of $23,000—about N32 million—recovered from a Nigerian suspect accused of running an international online romance scam to the victim in the Cayman Islands.
In a statement on Friday, police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said the funds were recovered by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, after a formal request from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service. The request sought Nigeria’s assistance in investigating the activities of Achufusi Obioma Ikenna.
Hundeyin said INTERPOL NCB Abuja operatives conducted covert, intelligence-led investigations that led to Ikenna’s arrest and the recovery of the stolen money.
Following the completion of all legal and administrative processes, the recovered funds were officially handed over to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service through the British High Commission in Abuja. The handover was facilitated by the commission’s representative, Mr. Shaun McLeary, for onward transmission to the victim.
Police said Ikenna will be arraigned in court at the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
The Force Public Relations Officer described the recovery and repatriation of the funds as a clear demonstration of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing, effective international collaboration, and the fight against cross-border cybercrime.
“The Force remains resolute in ensuring that proceeds of crime are traced, recovered, and returned to victims, while perpetrators are identified and brought to justice in line with the law and international best practices,” the statement added.
