Fake Doctor Defraud POS Operator Off 21 Million Naira With USSD Code

 

The Nigerian Police Force has made significant strides in cracking down on criminal activities, with the recent arrest of a fraudulent individual masquerading as a medical practitioner. Operatives from the Force Criminal Investigation Department successfully apprehended a man identified as Igwe Gift Okechukwu in Nasarawa State, shedding light on a complex web of criminal offenses, including organ trafficking and a N21 million fraud case.

The arrest stemmed from the suspect's fraudulent engagement with a point-of-sale (POS) owner in Owerri, Imo State. This individual, parading himself as Dr. Henry Ovie, capitalized on deceit, manipulation, and false representation to defraud the POS operator. Under the guise of a neurologist newly transferred to FMC, Owerri, the suspect initiated a relationship, earning the trust of the victim. Subsequently, the suspect orchestrated a scam where a substantial sum of N21 million was illicitly withdrawn from the victim's POS account.

The complainant stated that she is a POS operator with several POS branches in Owerri and that on the fateful day she came in contact with the suspect, she went to a shopping mall in Owerri to get some personal effects, where the suspect introduced himself to her as Dr. Henry Ovie, a neurologist newly transferred from Portharcourt to FMC, Owerri.


"She stated further that Igwe collected her number and established a close relationship with her. He told her that he was expecting some money and that he would love to make use of her POS to collect the money. The suspect then sent the amount of Five Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N5,500,000) to her account, which made her believe that the suspect has a genuine source of income.


"She proceeded to state that on 11th September, 2023 the suspect tricked her to enter a code on her POS machine which she did due to the trust she had for him. After the suspect left her place, she noticed that all the money in her POS account was withdrawn, which amounted to the sum of Twenty One Million Naira (N21,000,000) and all efforts to reach out to the suspect proved abortive.

She also went to the Federal Medical Centre, where the suspect claimed to be working, to ask about him and she was told that none of their doctors bears such a name. Immediately, she reported the case to the Force Criminal Investigation Department Abuja, where intelligent officers swung into action to arrest the suspect.



Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced the arrest and highlighted the intricate nature of the case involving criminal conspiracy, fraud, cybercrime, stealing, impersonation, deceit, cheating, and identity theft. The victim, Anita Chinwe Mathias, a POS operator, recounted her encounter with the suspect, emphasizing his fraudulent tactics and misleading identity.


An extensive investigation by the diligent officers revealed the suspect's various aliases, multiple contact details, and a disturbing connection to illegal organ trafficking. Furthermore, it was discovered that the suspect had evaded detection by altering his phone number and relocating from Owerri to Lafia in Nasarawa State.


This arrest signifies the commitment of the Nigerian Police Force, led by Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, to combatting crimes and ensuring community safety. The ongoing investigation aims to unearth every accomplice involved in these reprehensible acts, providing justice and closure to the victims.

As the Nigerian Police Force remains dedicated to upholding the law and protecting citizens, this arrest serves as a stern warning to criminals perpetrating such heinous acts. The assurance from the Inspector-General of Police emphasizes that all individuals involved in this criminal network will face the full extent of the law.


Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation progresses, promising justice for victims and a safer society for all.