Operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, have refused a bribe of ₦174 million offered by a 28-year-old suspected internet fraudster, Patrick Akpoguma.

The suspect is accused of engaging in various forms of cyber fraud, including romance scams, identity theft, hacking, cryptocurrency fraud, ritualism, and cultism.

Akpoguma, speaking with journalists at Zone 2 Command, confessed to the crimes, explaining that his attempt to clear his name led him to offer bribes to the police. He proposed a payment of $100,000 USD (approximately ₦174 million) to secure his release.

Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Adegoke Fayoade revealed that the investigation began on 7 November 2024 following reports from residents of Chevron Drive, Lekki, where the suspect resides.

According to AIG Fayoade:”Patrick Akpoguma admitted to being involved in what is known as romance scams and other cryptocurrency-related scams. He meets various people online and presents himself as a notable and famous Caucasian American, such as Colonel Matt Herbert, a serving U.S. Army officer currently on a peacekeeping mission in Iran. He also impersonates Adam Taggart, a renowned cryptocurrency and stock brokerage expert in the United States.

“He convinces his unsuspecting victims that he is a top executive working on several projects that require funding, which leads him to request loans. Typically, he receives these loans via his Bitcoin Trust Wallet or through blockchain transactions. So far, he has defrauded over seven victims using this method.

“To perfect these fraudulent activities, he created a fake Instagram account under the name ‘Adam Taggart.’ This account allowed him to purchase a silicone face and hand mask from maskmakers.com, which was delivered to his residence on Chevron Drive, Lekki. He paid $11,200 USD for the manufacturing of this mask, which he used to impersonate Adam Taggart on Facebook and Instagram.”

Bribe Offer and Arrest

AIG Fayoade further disclosed that during the investigation, Akpoguma offered $100,000 USD as a bribe to the police.

“Once I was informed about this, I instructed my detectives from the Raider team, led by CSP Ngozi Braid, to play along. On 12 November 2024, he offered the money, which was accepted, registered as evidence, and the investigation continued.

“So far, the investigation has been concluded, and the suspect will be arraigned accordingly,” he added.

Akpoguma, a graduate of Mechanical Engineering, revealed his motivation for engaging in fraud.

“I felt too intelligent to work for a salary, which is why I turned to fraud three years ago. I’ve made over $500,000 USD since then. I own a house in Lagos, another in Edo State, and a GLE Benz worth ₦100 million.

“Once I defraud people and feel I’ve taken enough from them, I simply walk away. I don’t leave them penniless.”

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