Nigerian National Arrested in India for Multi-Crore Matrimonial and Loan Scams
A 38-year-old Nigerian national has been apprehended in Faridabad, Haryana, India, on charges of orchestrating a sophisticated cyber fraud scheme that targeted women through matrimonial websites and social media platforms. The accused, identified as Samuel Ogun, also known by the alias Stepney Derrick, allegedly duped multiple victims of millions of crores by presenting himself as a wealthy international businessman.
Modus Operandi of the Matrimonial Scam
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cybercrime) Shavya Goyal, Ogun created fake profiles using attractive photographs and fabricated personal details to build trust with women seeking marriage. He would initiate contact and gradually develop emotional relationships, promising marriage to his victims.
After gaining their confidence, he would send fake flight tickets and parcel receipts, claiming he was traveling to India to meet and marry them. Subsequently, he would allege that his luggage or parcels had been detained by customs and required urgent payment for clearance.
Convinced by this narrative, victims transferred large sums of money into multiple bank accounts. Police reports indicate that losses in such cases ranged from lakhs to crores of rupees.
Additional Fraudulent Activities
In addition to the matrimonial scam, Ogun is suspected of cheating people by offering fake loan services with promises of quick approvals at low interest rates. This dual approach expanded his fraudulent operations, targeting a broader range of victims.
Investigation and Arrest Details
Ogun was arrested during investigations into two cases registered at the Noida cybercrime police station. In one instance, a woman was cheated of nearly Rs 56 lakh, while another victim lost around Rs 1.3 crore. Cases linked to the accused have also emerged in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, leading police to suspect that several similar frauds may have been carried out across different Indian states.
On Thursday, March 19, 2026, a police team recovered significant evidence from his Faridabad residence, including:
- Five mobile phones
- A laptop and a tablet
- A Wi-Fi router and a dongle
- Several SIM cards
- Foreign currency
- Multiple passports bearing different identities
- Forged documents
Investigators revealed that Ogun used multiple fake identities and passports of various nationalities to evade detection. When one identity became compromised, he allegedly traveled abroad to obtain another before returning to India.
Digital Evidence and Forensic Examination
Digital evidence indicated that Ogun maintained simultaneous contact with 15 to 16 women under different aliases, showcasing the scale of his operations. The devices seized during the arrest have been sent for forensic examination to uncover further leads and potentially identify additional victims.
This case highlights the growing threat of cybercrime and the importance of vigilance when engaging with individuals online, particularly on platforms designed for personal relationships.
