Lagos police rejected a ₦174 million bribe from internet fraudster Patrick Akpoguma, who is accused of various cybercrimes including romance scams and cryptocurrency fraud. Despite offering the bribe, Akpoguma's arrest was secured, and the investigation into his fraudulent activities was concluded.
Operatives from the Zone 2 Police Command in Lagos recently rejected a bribe of $100,000 (₦174 million) offered by Patrick Akpoguma, a 28-year-old suspected internet fraudster. Akpoguma, a mechanical engineering graduate, is accused of participating in multiple cyber fraud activities including romance scams, identity theft, and cryptocurrency fraud.
He confessed to impersonating high-profile individuals, such as U.S. Army officers and cryptocurrency experts, to trick victims into giving him loans, which he received via Bitcoin transactions. Akpoguma also went as far as purchasing a silicone mask to aid in his impersonations.
In a bid to clear his name, Akpoguma offered the bribe to the police officers investigating him. However, the police accepted the offer under controlled circumstances, registering the money as evidence before proceeding with the investigation. Akpoguma admitted to earning over $500,000 from his fraudulent activities and stated that he invested his earnings in property and luxury vehicles.
Despite his attempts to bribe his way out, the police have concluded the investigation and Akpoguma is set to be arraigned.
