The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the recovery and return of twenty three thousand dollars linked to an alleged international romance scam, stating that the funds have been successfully repatriated to the victim in the Cayman Islands.
According to a statement issued on Friday by police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, the money was traced and recovered by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Abuja following a formal request from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service. The request concerned an investigation into the activities of a Nigerian suspect, Achufusi Obioma Ikenna.
Hundeyin said INTERPOL operatives conducted discreet, intelligence driven operations that led to Ikenna’s arrest and the recovery of the stolen funds. Once all legal and administrative protocols were finalised, the recovered sum was transferred to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service through the British High Commission in Abuja. The handover was made by Mr Shaun McLeary for onward delivery to the affected victim.
The police added that Ikenna will face prosecution upon the completion of all outstanding investigative procedures.
The Force Public Relations Officer noted that the recovery illustrates the Nigeria Police Force’s emphasis on intelligence led operations and its commitment to strengthening international law enforcement cooperation. He added that such coordinated efforts are essential in tracking illicit financial flows and disrupting transnational cybercrime networks.
He reaffirmed that the police will continue to trace and recover proceeds of crime while ensuring that offenders are identified, apprehended, and prosecuted in line with national laws and global best practices.
