The Nigeria Police have arraigned one suspect, Wilfred Bonse, in connection with the 2023 security breach at Patricia, a digital asset marketplace leading to loss of bitcoin and naira assets.
A press statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Monday in Abuja, said: “In furtherance of the Police’s zeal to safeguard Nigeria’s cyber space, and by extension, the global cyber space, the Nigeria Police National CyberCrime Centre (NCCB) on February 1, advancing on the heels of a clinical investigation, arraigned one Wilfred Bonse before the Federal High Court Abuja.
“The suspect, one Bonse, a resident of Flat 6 block 9, Aso garden Estate Karsana, Abuja, allegedly participated in a case of conspiracy to commit computer-related fraud, money laundering and sundry offenses to the tone of N50 million contrary to Sections 14(1) of the Cybercrime (prohibition, prevention, ETC) Act ,2015, Sections 20(a)(b) & 21(a) of the money laundering (prevention and prohibition) Act, 2022.”
He said, “The arraignment was a step further in the pursuit of justice in the investigation of Patricia’s security breach.
“The case is also a boost to the relentless efforts of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre to combat cyber and cyber-enabled crime and financial fraud in the country and beyond.
“The court ruled that the suspect be remanded at the correctional facility until the next date of hearing.”
According to Adejobi, “The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, while reiterating the unwavering commitment of the Force to upholding the law and ensuring justice for all, has directed the Force NCCC, under the leadership of CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry, to keep trailblazing trends in alignment with global best practices in combating cyber and cyber-enabled crime in its dynamics.
“In order to continually sustain the tempo of the fight against cyber crimes, or for any inquiries or sharing information with the centre, members of the general public are urged to contact us via [email protected].”
