According to our sources, Patrick Akpoguma, a suspected internet fraudster, was apprehended by officers from the Zone 2 Police Command in Onikan, Lagos, after attempting to bribe authorities with ₦174 million to avoid prosecution.
The 28-year-old is accused of multiple online scams, including romance fraud, identity theft, and cyber hacking. He offered the bribe during his arrest, which police operatives promptly rejected. Akpoguma’s case highlights the growing issue of internet fraud in Nigeria.
In a shocking revelation, Akpoguma, a Mechanical Engineering graduate, confessed that his involvement in fraud began after he struggled to secure stable employment following graduation. “I am a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and I am 28 years old. After leaving school, it became clear that I needed to find my path and get back on my feet. I decided to try fraud while I looked for something legitimate,” he explained.
Akpoguma also disclosed the extent of his illegal activities, admitting to earning over $500,000 over the past three years. “I started doing fraud three years ago, and since then I’ve made over $500,000. I own a house in Lagos, a house in Edo State, and a GLE Benz worth millions,” he said, detailing how he extracted large sums from victims before severing ties with them.
Despite his accumulated wealth, Akpoguma’s arrest underscores Nigeria’s growing challenge with cybercrime. Law enforcement agencies remain committed to tackling such illegal activities and are warning others about the severe consequences. Investigations into his operations are ongoing, with further arrests expected.
