Operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command in Onikan, Lagos, have refused a bribe of ₦174 million offered by a 28-year-old suspected internet fraudster, Patrick Akpoguma.
The suspect, who is alleged to be involved in various cybercrimes such as romance scams, identity theft, cryptocurrency fraud, hacking, ritualism, and cultism, reportedly confessed to the crimes during a media briefing at the command’s headquarters.
Akpoguma’s fraudulent activities were said to include impersonating high-profile figures online to deceive unsuspecting victims.
Assistant Inspector General of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, disclosed details of the investigation, which began on November 7, 2024, following reports from concerned residents of Chevron Drive, Lekki, where Akpoguma resides.
AIG Fayoade said, “Patrick Akpoguma admitted to being involved in what is known as romance scams and other cryptocurrency-related scams. He meets various people online and presents himself as a notable and famous Caucasian American, such as Colonel Matt Herbert, a serving U.S. Army officer currently on a peacekeeping mission in Iran. He also impersonates Adam Taggart, a renowned cryptocurrency and stock brokerage expert in the United States.
“He convinces his unsuspecting victims that he is a top executive working on several projects that require funding, which leads him to request loans. Typically, he receives these loans via his Bitcoin Trust Wallet or through blockchain transactions. So far, he has defrauded over seven victims using this method.”
The suspect reportedly took extraordinary measures to perfect his schemes, including purchasing a silicone face and hand mask to support his impersonations.
Fayoade explained, “To perfect these fraudulent activities, he created a fake Instagram account under the name ‘Adam Taggart.’ This account allowed him to purchase a silicone face and hand mask from maskmakers.com, which was delivered to his residence on Chevron Drive, Lekki. He paid $11,200 USD for the manufacturing of this mask, which he used to impersonate Adam Taggart on Facebook and Instagram.”
As the investigation deepened, Akpoguma attempted to bribe the police with $100,000 USD, equivalent to approximately ₦174 million. AIG Fayoade revealed how the bribe offer unfolded, “Once I was informed about this, I instructed my detectives from the Raider team, led by CSP Ngozi Braid, to play along. On 12 November 2024, he offered the money, which was accepted, registered as evidence, and the investigation continued.
“So far, the investigation has been concluded, and the suspect will be arraigned accordingly.”
Akpoguma, a graduate of Mechanical Engineering, revealed the motivation behind his foray into fraud. Speaking to journalists, he stated, “I felt too intelligent to work for a salary, which is why I turned to fraud three years ago. I’ve made over $500,000 USD since then. I own a house in Lagos, another in Edo State, and a GLE Benz worth ₦100 million.
“Once I defraud people and feel I’ve taken enough from them, I simply walk away. I don’t leave them penniless.”
The police have assured the public of their commitment to justice, highlighting the case as a testament to their zero-tolerance policy for corruption and crime.
Akpoguma now awaits his day in court, where he will face the consequences of his actions.
