Lagos Authorities Turn Down N174M Bribe from Notorious Scammer
Agents of the Zone 2 Police Command in Onikan, Lagos, showed incredible integrity by refusing a bribe of N174 million from Patrick Akpoguma, a 28-year-old alleged online scammer.
After a thorough investigation, the suspect who is well-known for a number of crimes involving the internet, such as identity theft, cryptocurrency fraud, and romantic scams was taken into custody.
The investigation started on November 7, 2024, after residents of Chevron Drive, Lekki, reported suspicious activity connected to Akpoguma, according to Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police Adegoke Fayoade, who made this announcement during a press briefing on Wednesday.
“Patrick Akpoguma admitted to being involved in romance scams and cryptocurrency fraud,” Fayoade stated.
“He impersonated notable figures such as a U.S. Army officer and a cryptocurrency expert to defraud unsuspecting victims, mostly through blockchain transactions.
“Using a fake Instagram account, he even purchased a $11,200 silicone mask to enhance his impersonations.”
According to reports, Akpoguma admitted to scamming more than seven victims and earning over $500,000, that’s over N460 million, in the process.
He bought a Mercedes-Benz GLE for N100 million and opulent homes in Edo State and Lagos using the money he stole.
Akpoguma offered the police a bribe of $100,000 (N174 million) in a last-ditch effort to avoid punishment, but his offer was immediately turned down. The investigation proceeded after the money was noted as evidence.
