Paragraph 1: Unveiling a WhatsApp Hacking Scheme Targeting Law Enforcement
The Ogun State Police Command has apprehended three individuals implicated in a sophisticated cybercrime operation targeting a high-ranking officer within their ranks. The suspects, Tolani Jeremiah (31), Akande Suru (20), and Edwin Jatto (24), successfully infiltrated the WhatsApp account of Deputy Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni, head of the state’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID). This breach allowed them to impersonate DCP Ojajuni and solicit funds from his contacts under the guise of urgent financial need. The operation netted the perpetrators over N1.1 million before their capture in Edo State.
Paragraph 2: Exploiting Trust and Technological Vulnerabilities
The elaborate scheme involved exploiting the trust DCP Ojajuni’s family and friends had in him. By gaining access to his WhatsApp account, the criminals could convincingly impersonate the officer and make seemingly legitimate requests for financial assistance. The funds were then channeled into a Moniepoint account under the name Ichioma Ojo, effectively obscuring the true recipients of the money. The incident underscores the growing threat of cybercrime and its ability to exploit even secure communication platforms like WhatsApp to deceive and defraud unsuspecting individuals.
Paragraph 3: Unmasking the Modus Operandi and Digital Trail
Following their arrest, law enforcement recovered six mobile phones and several other electronic devices used in the hacking operation. A key piece of evidence was a Redmi Android phone, which likely played a central role in accessing DCP Ojajuni’s WhatsApp account. Further investigation revealed that the trio bypassed WhatsApp’s two-factor authentication using a Gmail account ([email protected]). This discovery highlights the sophistication of their methods and their ability to circumvent security measures. The suspects have admitted their involvement in the crime, confirming their participation in a broader internet fraud syndicate preying on unsuspecting citizens.
Paragraph 4: Unraveling a Child Trafficking Network: A Parallel Investigation
Concurrent with the WhatsApp hacking investigation, the Ogun State Police also dismantled a child trafficking ring operating within the state. The operation, allegedly orchestrated by an individual known as Mama Faith, currently incarcerated at the Ibara Correctional Centre, involved the abduction and sale of children for illegal adoption. Three individuals, ThankGod Taiwo (35), Patience Chikieze (54), and Oluyinka Folake (43), were apprehended for their roles in this disturbing network.
Paragraph 5: Tracing the Trail of Abducted Children: A Network of Deceit
The unraveling of the child trafficking ring began with the abduction of a seven-year-old girl, Mercy Akande, by ThankGod Taiwo. Taiwo subsequently sold the child to Patience Chikieze for N650,000 at Ipaja Roundabout, Lagos. Chikieze’s arrest led to the rescue of Mercy Akande and the discovery of two other children, Mohees Daniel (3 years old) and David Jesulayomi, who had also been illegally purchased and were intended for sale. The network utilized fraudulent adoption agreements to legitimize their activities and a WhatsApp group named "Prema Consult" to connect with potential adopters.
Paragraph 6: Combating Crime and Ensuring Public Safety: A Call for Collaboration
The arrests in both the WhatsApp hacking and child trafficking cases represent significant victories for the Ogun State Police Command. Newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, emphasized the importance of public vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement in combating crime. He warned criminals operating within the state to cease their illegal activities and assured residents of the police’s unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order. The investigations underline the necessity of strong partnerships between law enforcement and the public to effectively address both cybercrime and traditional criminal activities. The recovery of the abducted children highlights the critical role of timely intelligence and swift action in ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable members of the community.
