Lagos police turn down N174m bribe from internet fraudster
Police officials at the Zone 2 Command in Onikan, Lagos, demonstrated integrity by rejecting a ₦174 million bribe offered by Patrick Akpoguma, a suspected internet fraudster aged 28.
The suspect is accused of various cyber fraud activities, including romance scams, identity theft, hacking, cryptocurrency fraud, ritualism, and cultism.
Akpoguma confessed to the crimes while speaking with journalists at Zone 2 Command, stating that his attempt to clear his name led him to offer bribes to the police, proposing a payment of $100,000 USD (approximately ₦174 million) for his release.
Adegoke Fayoade, Assistant Inspector General, disclosed that an investigation commenced on November 7, 2024, subsequent to concerns raised by residents of Chevron Drive, Lekki, where the individual in question resides.
AIG Fayoade disclosed that Patrick Akpoguma accepted involvement in romance scams and additional cryptocurrency-related swindling activities.
He connects with various individuals online and portrays himself as a prominent and renowned Caucasian American, such as Colonel Matt Herbert, a U.S. Army officer presently serving on a peacekeeping mission in Iran.
He also poses as Adam Taggart, a distinguished specialist in cryptocurrency and stock brokerage with expertise in the US market.
“He deceives victims into believing he’s a top executive, securing loans for various projects, usually through Bitcoin Trust Wallet or blockchain transactions, scamming over seven people. To execute these scams, he made a fake Instagram account as ‘Adam Taggart’ and purchased a silicone mask from maskmakers.com for $11,200, delivered to his Lekki residence.”
AIG Fayoade revealed that during the investigation, Akpoguma attempted to bribe the police with $100,000 USD. Upon learning of this, I directed CSP Ngozi Braid and the Raider team to proceed with caution. On November 12, 2024, the bribe was formally accepted, documented as evidence, and the investigation continued.
“So far, the investigation has been concluded, and the suspect will be arraigned accordingly,” he added.
Suspect’s Confession Akpoguma, a graduate of Mechanical Engineering, revealed his motivation for engaging in fraud.
“I began committing fraud three years ago, believing my intelligence was wasted on salaried work; my earnings have exceeded $500,000 USD.”
