The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has smashed a six-man cyber crime gang that has allegedly been using the name and images of the Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, Archbishop of Abuja Province and Primate of the Church of Nigeria in the Anglican Communion, to fleece unsuspecting Nigerians of their hard-earned money.
Mrs. Rasheedat Okoduwa, ICPC’s Public Relations Officer, PRO, disclosed this in a press release issued in Abuja on Sunday.
According to Okoduwa, the gang, headed by one Jehu Kwasu, was arrested in Kaduna after reportedly using a fake Facebook account with Primate Okoh’s photograph to defraud unsuspecting members of the public of their hard-earned money.
“Investigation by ICPC revealed that the syndicate posts fictitious distress stories on the fake Facebook account to con prominent citizens, top government officials and politicians into believing that it was Rev. Okoh that was making the plea for help.
“The commission further found out that the group was also impersonating other top clergymen of the Anglican Communion, such as Bishops Zakari Nyam, Moleku and Lamido to commit their nefarious acts.”
The ICP spokesperson, however, disclosed that five of the suspects had been admitted to administrative bail by the Commission, leaving Kwasu, who had yet to meet his bail conditions.
Okoduwa, however, added: “It is noteworthy that the suspects have made useful statements to the commission and will be charged to court soon after the conclusion of investigation.”
