News Editor
The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) Lagos; under the leadership of Godwin Ayotunde as Omodeinde as Police Commissioner; have arrested one Ikeocha Daniel Kelechi and Sylvester Ebeta both male for alleged offences bordering on Conspiracy, Fraudulent Conversion/Diversion and Stealing of Six Hundred and Thirteen Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty Thousand, Two Hundred Naira (N613,980,200.00) belonging to a leading Nigerian Financial Technology (FinTech) company.
In a press release issued by Police Special Fraud Unit in Lagos, and signed by the Lagos Police Command Public Relations Officer , Supretedent of police Eyitayo Johnson, said the he alleged offences, which occurred between 19th January, 2022 and 12th October, 2023; resulted from a system/network glitch that led to some Payment Gateway Web Merchants of the firm getting multiple credits for refunds initiated to cardholders by the merchants.
According to the release the refunds were then settled to the merchants’ accounts in various banks and subsequently withdrawn/transferred by the merchants.
It added that Mr. Ikeocha Daniel Kelechi unlawfully benefited and converted Four Hundred and Two Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty Thousand, Two Hundred Naira (N402,980,200.00) while Mr. Sylvester Ebeta fraudulently converted/ diverted Two Hundred and Eleven Million Naira (N211,000,000.00).
As the duo took advantage of the glitch to make multiple withdrawals totaling the aforesaid sums, and distributed same to themselves (in other banks), friends and relations. The suspects, who disabled their mobile lines and relocated from known addresses in their bid to evade justice, were later tracked and arrested by PSFU detectives. The duo made confessional statements where they admitted their roles in the crime. Criminal charges have been filed against the suspects by the Unit’s Legal Section.
