Police Dismantle Cross-Border Fraud Syndicate Following Intelligence Collaboration
The Nigeria Police Force has officially confirmed the successful dismantling of a highly sophisticated cross-border fraud syndicate, following actionable intelligence received from international partners. This significant breakthrough was achieved through investigations conducted by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), highlighting the force's enhanced capabilities in tackling transnational financial crimes.
International Intelligence Leads to Arrest
According to a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, credible information and intelligence were provided by the East Africa Sub-Saharan Africa Safe Promotion (EA-SSASPF) Foundation, a registered non-governmental organization based in Nairobi, Kenya. The foundation identified key individuals involved, including Mr. Julius Kithome and Ms. Cynthia Kithome, who were reportedly introduced to the primary suspect by Reverend Edy Ndeto in Nairobi.
The operations underscore the police force's unwavering resolve to combat financial fraud, protect foreign direct investment, and uphold the integrity of Nigeria's digital and financial ecosystem, the statement emphasized. This case represents a critical step in safeguarding both domestic and international stakeholders from fraudulent schemes.
Sophisticated Fraud Scheme Uncovered
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, identified as Agbor Martins Black-Diamond (also known as Oruojong Black Diamond Agbor Martins), falsely represented himself as an official of the World Bank and other United States-based donor partners. Over a period of three years, complainants relying on these fraudulent claims transferred a total of USD $250,000 for purported registration and administrative fees meant to unlock donor funding.
No funding was ever secured. Instead, the suspect organized sham symposiums in Nigeria and South Africa to maintain the illusion of legitimacy. In 2024, he further induced the victims to secure a bank loan against their family property to access a non-existent $850,000 empowerment fund in Ghana, exacerbating their financial losses.
Financial Analysis and Additional Victims
Thorough investigation and financial analysis confirmed substantial inflows from Kenyan victims, including $57,975 transferred between February and July 2023. The suspect was arrested on March 31, 2026, and his entity, Black Diamond African Beauty Restoration Foundation, was found to be unregistered in Nigeria. In response, he registered United African Continent Limited in November 2024 in an attempt to legitimize his illicit activities.
Further findings indicate the suspect extended his fraudulent scheme to local farmers in the Kuje Area Council, collecting N50,000 from each under the guise of empowerment and capacity building programs. This expansion of his criminal operations demonstrates the broad impact of his activities on vulnerable communities.
Internal Conspiracy Uncovered
Preliminary investigations also revealed that between May and December 2025, one Ayodele Daramola, an employee in the position of Investment Booking, conspired with Dada Babatunde Oluwatobi, a non-staff member, to fraudulently divert company funds. This internal dimension of the case highlights the complex networks often involved in such syndicates.
The Nigeria Police Force continues to investigate all aspects of this case, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious financial activities to the NPF-NCCC. This operation serves as a stern warning to fraudsters that law enforcement agencies are increasingly capable of tracking and dismantling cross-border criminal networks.
