Ola Akinwunmi
The Nigeria Police Force, in a crackdown on transnational crime, has arrested two suspects—a Canadian national and a Nigerian—linked to a ₦452 million charity fraud and a $210,000 investment scam. The arrests, coordinated with INTERPOL, reflect a growing global effort to combat sophisticated financial and cybercrimes plaguing international business and philanthropic sectors.
Robert Harms, 47, a Canadian citizen, was apprehended at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on February 7, 2025, while attempting to flee to Canada. His arrest followed a months-long investigation into a fraudulent Waste-to-Energy Project scheme targeting Tepison Enterprises, an Akwa Ibom State-based company.
According to police statements, Harms allegedly colluded with a Polaris Bank account officer in June 2023 to lure Tepison into investing $210,000 with promises of a $30,000 return within weeks. Investigators revealed that Harms forged a “Project Bridge Loan Agreement” and funneled the funds through an Abuja Bureau de Change to a Dubai account. He falsely claimed affiliation with Canada’s VDQ-NRG Systems Limited—a connection the company’s CEO later disavowed.
“Harms admitted to receiving the funds and breaching the investment agreement,” said Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi. Arraigned at the Federal High Court in Uyo on May 9, Harms was remanded to the Uyo Custodial Centre. His trial resumes on May 20.
In a parallel operation, INTERPOL re-arrested Nigerian national Ms. Okeke Njaka, 39, a fugitive wanted since 2021 for cybercrimes and a ₦452.8 million medical charity fraud. Njaka, founder of the Ogechi Helping Hands Foundation, initially faced charges in January 2025 for cyberstalking, bullying, and financial fraud before jumping bail.
Police allege that Njaka’s NGO collaborated with accomplices—including Emeka Ezeogbo and the Tolotolo Family Foundation—to defraud donors under the guise of providing medical aid. Investigators also uncovered her role in circulating explicit content to blackmail victims via social media. After a four-month manhunt, she was captured in Abuja on May 8 and faces arraignment on May 13 at the Federal High Court.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to tackling transnational crime, urging vigilance in international dealings. “Exercise utmost caution and due diligence before entering high-value agreements,” he warned, encouraging citizens to report suspicious activities promptly.