‘How Nigerian Emwanta Smith allegedly defrauded American lady of $550,000’

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Operatives of Nigeria Police Force, through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja have arrested one Emwanta Eghosa Smith for impersonating top government officials to dupe a United States-based lady of the sum of $550, 000.

The arrest followed report to the Nigeria Police by the American that she was defrauded of $550,000 between October 2025 and January 2026 by the suspect

Following the report, the suspect was arrested in a well-coordinated operation conducted in Benin City, Edo State, between 23rd and 26th March 2026, operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja who acted on credible intelligence, according to a statement by DCP Anthony Okon Placid, Force Public Relations Officer on Tuesday.

The Force Public Relations officer added that preliminary investigation revealed that Emwanta Eghosa Smith perpetrated the fraud by impersonating prominent government officials and other notable public figures to gain the trust of the victim, who was subsequently induced to transfer funds through cryptocurrency platforms.

He added that further findings indicate that the proceeds of the crime were laundered through the acquisition of five vehicles and an unfinished property in Benin City.

He said the property and the vehicles have been secured as exhibits.

“Additionally, counterfeit Ten Thousand United States Dollars ($10,000) was recovered from the suspect,” Placid said.

He described the arrest of the suspect as a major breakthrough in the investigation of a transnational fraud, identity theft, and money laundering

“IGP Tunji Disu reiterates the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to tackling cyber-enabled financial crimes, identity theft, and transnational fraud, while strengthening collaboration with international partners to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice and victims are protected.

“Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant and exercise caution in online engagements, particularly those involving financial transactions, and to promptly report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies,” the police spokesperson concluded in the statement.

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