‘Cyber fraud’: EFCC arrests NNPP candidate for Kogi assembly, $610k cash recovered

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Ismaila Yusuf Atumeyi over his alleged involvement in cyber fraud.

Atumeyi is the candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the Ankpa II constituency seat of the Kogi house of assembly.

The anti-graft agency, in a statement on Tuesday, said Atumeyi was arrested on Sunday alongside one Joshua Dominic, an alleged serial fraudster, in a sting operation at Queens Estate, Karsana, Gwarinpa, Abuja.

EFCC said the NNPP candidate was arrested with N326 million and $140,500 cash.

The anti-graft agency alleged that the politician and his syndicate were involved in the hacking of one of the commercial banks in which N1.4 billion was stolen.

EFCC also arrested one Abdumalik Salau Femi, a former bank employee, for allegedly supplying the inside information that facilitated the attack on the bank by the syndicate.

After his arrest, a search was conducted on his home in Morgan Estate, Ojodu where a total of $470,000 was recovered.

“The syndicate allegedly moved N887 million into the account of Fav Oil and Gas limited, from where the monies were paid to several bureau de change operators and some auto dealers for exchange into United States dollars and purchase of high-end cars,” EFCC said.

“Dominic, who has been arrested for fraud on several occasions, allegedly helped Atumeyi perfect the hacking plan through Abdumalik.

“Dominic, a self-styled investment expert and managing director of Brisk Capital Limited was arrested in May 2021 by the special fraud unit of the Nigeria Police for alleged N2 billion investment scam. He allegedly defrauded over 500 persons in a phony investment scheme.

“Two Range Rover Luxury SUVs were also recovered from the two suspects arrested in Abuja. They will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is concluded.”