By Amofokhai Williams
The Nigeria Police Force, through its INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, has successfully repatriated $23,000 to a victim of an international online romance scam in the Cayman Islands.
The recovery and return of the funds followed a formal request from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, which sought the assistance of INTERPOL NCB Abuja in investigating a Nigerian national, Achufusi Obioma Ikenna, accused of defrauding a Cayman Islands resident through an online romance scheme.
Acting on the request, INTERPOL operatives in Abuja carried out discreet, intelligence-led investigations that led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the sum of $23,000.
Upon completion of the required documentation and in collaboration with international partners, the recovered funds were formally handed over to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service through the British High Commission in Abuja.
The handover was facilitated by a representative of the High Commission, Mr Shaun McLeary, for onward delivery to the victim.
Police authorities said the suspect will be arraigned in court at the conclusion of investigations.
The Nigeria Police Force said the successful repatriation reflects its continued commitment to intelligence-driven policing, effective international cooperation, and the disruption of transnational cybercrime networks.
The Force reaffirmed its resolve to ensure that proceeds of crime are traced, recovered, and returned to victims, while perpetrators are identified and prosecuted in line with the law and international best practices.
