Zone 2 Police Command in Lagos Rejects $100,000 Bribe from Internet Fraud Suspect
Operatives from the Zone 2 Police Command in Onikan, Lagos, have turned down a $100,000 bribe — approximately N174 million — offered by 28-year-old Patrick Akpoguma, who is under investigation for multiple online fraud activities, including romance scams, identity theft, cyber hacking, cryptocurrency fraud, ritualism, and cultism.
The suspect acknowledged his involvement in these crimes during an interaction with reporters at the Zone 2 headquarters. Akpoguma attempted to clear his name by offering substantial monetary incentives to law enforcement officials.
Assistant Inspector General of Police Adegoke Fayoade provided details about the investigation that commenced on November 7, 2024, following complaints from residents living on Chevron Drive, Lekki, where Akpoguma resides.
AIG Fayoade stated, “Patrick Akpoguma confessed to participating in romance scams as well as various cryptocurrency frauds.” He elaborated on how Akpoguma would pose as a distinguished American, claiming to be Colonel Matt Herbert, an active U.S. Army officer on a peacekeeping mission in Iran. He also impersonated Adam Taggart, a well-known cryptocurrency and stock trading expert in the United States.
Using these false identities, Akpoguma manipulated unsuspecting victims, persuading them that he was a high-ranking executive involved in significant projects requiring financial support, leading him to solicit loans. He received these loans primarily through his Bitcoin Trust Wallet or via blockchain methods, successfully scamming at least seven individuals.
To enhance his fraudulent operations, he set up a counterfeit Instagram account under the name “Adam Taggart.” This facilitated his purchase of a silicone mask and hand cover from maskmarkers.com for a sum of $11,200, which he used to further his deception on social media platforms.
Interestingly, during the inquiry, Akpoguma began to plead and offer bribe money in an attempt to evade the investigation. Following this, AIG Fayoade directed his detectives to continue engaging with him. On November 12, 2024, Akpoguma offered the police $100,000, which was documented as evidence while the investigation proceeded. AIG Fayoade confirmed that the investigative process has since concluded, and legal proceedings against the suspect are set to commence shortly.
Reflecting on his actions, Akpoguma claimed he felt too intelligent to pursue a conventional job, prompting him to engage in fraudulent activities three years ago. “I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering and I am 28. After university, I realized I needed to establish my career, and that’s when I turned to fraud while seeking legitimate opportunities,” he stated. He boasted of financial success, claiming to have earned over $500,000, and owning properties in Lagos and Edo State, alongside a GLE Benz valued at N100 million. He indicated he would restrain his scams to prevent leaving victims destitute.
When discussing his interaction with the police, he noted, “In three years of fraud, this was my first encounter with law enforcement. I was merely trying to negotiate, thinking they were open to discussing it.”
Akpoguma concluded by acknowledging the importance of integrity within the police force. “It’s a positive development for both the police and the Nigerian public, as it helps build trust through transparency. I advise others in my situation to focus on legitimate endeavors instead, as they lead to broader prospects compared to illicit income, which lacks security and growth potential.”
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