By Our Correspondent
Lagos, May 16, ’25 (TNZ) The Nigeria Police Force INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja has recorded a breakthrough in its fight against transnational financial crimes.
TheNewsZenith reports that the NCB apprehended two high-profile suspects wanted for investment fraud and cybercrime, underscoring the Force’s commitment to tackling financial and cyber related threats.
The Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said, this followed INTERPOL NCB’s meticulous investigation, leading to the apprehension of Robert Harms, a Canadian national.
NCB arrested Harms in connection with a fraudulent investment scheme targeting Tepison Enterprises, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
The bureau initiated the investigation following a formal petition by the company.
Tepison Enterprise had alleged that Harms, introduced through a Polaris Bank account officer in June 2023, fraudulently induced them to invest in a fictitious Waste-to-Energy Project in Canada.
Under this pretense, the company transferred $210,000 to secure a fabricated “capital project bond,” with promises of a $30,000 return within four weeks. The returns never materialise.
Adejobi stated that investigations revealed that Harms fabricated a fraudulent “Project Bridge Loan Agreement”.
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The suspect also allegedly orchestrated transfer of funds to an account in Dubai through Allah Mai Girma Bureau de Change in Abuja.
“Further inquiries confirmed that Harms had no legitimate affiliation with VDQ-NRG Systems Limited, the Canadian company he falsely claimed to represent.
“The CEO of VDQ-NRG Systems Limited, when contacted, denied any knowledge of or association with Harms.
“INTERPOL operatives apprehended Harms Feb. 7, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while attempting to flee to Canada,” TheNewsZenith quotes Adejobi as stating.
According to him, Harms admitted to receiving the funds and violating the investment agreement. NCB has filed formal criminal charges against the suspect at the Federal High Court, Uyo, on April 22.
Harms was arraigned on May 9 and remanded at the Uyo Custodial Centre, while the case has been adjourned to May 20. (TNZ)
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