Police Arrest Three Suspects for Cybercrime and Cultism in Lagos Operation
The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 2 headquarters located in Onikan, Lagos, has successfully apprehended three individuals implicated in a wide range of criminal activities, including criminal conspiracy, cybercrime, forgery, impersonation, and cultism. This significant law enforcement breakthrough was achieved following credible intelligence received by detectives from the Zonal Intelligence Department (ZID).
Details of the Arrest and Suspects
According to an official statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Afolayan Gbenga, the operation was conducted on January 7, 2026, in the Lekki-Ajah axis of Lagos State. The arrested suspects have been identified as Tega Emmanuel, a 24-year-old male; Jacob Olatunde, a 33-year-old male; and Gift Okubakpere, a 36-year-old male.
Tega Emmanuel was intercepted by police officers while driving a Porsche vehicle along Chevron Drive on the Lekki-Ajah expressway. During initial questioning, he confessed to his active involvement in various cybercrime activities. Subsequently, a search warrant was executed at his residence, leading to the arrest of the two other suspects, Jacob Olatunde and Gift Okubakpere.
Confessions and Criminal Roles
During intensive interrogation sessions, all three suspects admitted to their specific roles within the coordinated cybercrime operation. Tega Emmanuel confessed to coordinating cyber fraud schemes, including romance scams, and was responsible for generating fraudulent accounts to facilitate these illicit activities.
Jacob Olatunde revealed that he handled financial transactions and managed the collection of illicit funds derived from their criminal enterprises. Gift Okubakpere admitted to managing cryptocurrency-related scams conducted through multiple digital platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, various cryptocurrency platforms, and online banking systems.
Recovery of Exhibits and Evidence
Police investigations led to the recovery of numerous exhibits that provide substantial evidence of the suspects' criminal activities. The recovered items include:
- Three HP Laptops
- One Apple MacBook Laptop
- Two MacBook Tablets
- Nine iPhones containing evidence of criminal activities
- Devices specifically used for conducting fraudulent transactions
- Six international passports
- Lagos State vehicle number plates (LSR 235 JM, FKJ 558 JK)
- Three dealer plate numbers
- Military camouflage clothing
- One mini printer
- One toy gun (pistol) which the suspect claimed was used for skit production
Additionally, police recovered 98 pieces of suspected counterfeit 100-Dollar United States currency notes, illicit drugs suspected to be Indian hemp, and various smoking paraphernalia. Investigations have been extended to relevant agencies to verify the authenticity of the suspected counterfeit currency and to confirm the nature of the illicit drugs.
Police Leadership Response and Commitment
The Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 2, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and dedication to duty. He assured members of the public that the suspects will face prosecution upon the conclusion of thorough investigations.
Furthermore, AIG Olohundare reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Zone 2 Headquarters to sustain and intensify the fight against fraud-related offences within Lagos and Ogun states. This operation demonstrates the police force's continued efforts to combat cybercrime and other illicit activities that threaten public security and economic stability in the region.
