The Nigeria Police Force has said that it has arrested and arraigned former Cross River State governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections on the platform of New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Wilfred Bonse, in connection to a crypto-currency firm, Patricia's financial security breach.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejob, who made this known in a statement on Monday said Bonse conspired to launder the sum of N50million that originated from the fraudulent diversion of N607million from Patricia.
The Force spokesperson said that Bonse was arrested and arraigned before the Federal High Court Abuja, on Thursday by the Police National CyberCrime Centre, advancing on the heels of a clinical investigation.
“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 50 million naira contrary to sections Section 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.
“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.
“The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, while reiterating the unwavering commitment of the Force to upholding the law and ensuring justice for all, has directed the Force National Cybercrime Center 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 fifght against Cybercrimes, or for any inquiries or sharing information with the centre, members of the general public are urged to contact us via [email protected]
Bonse had been accused of benefiting at least N40 million from a cyber fraud scheme executed by a group of hackers identified as “The Syndicate.”