Abuja: The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has expressed his commendation for the police officers responsible for the investigation and prosecution of a significant oil-related fraud case, which concluded with the conviction of the suspect involved.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, announced in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja that the Nigeria Police Force successfully secured the conviction of David Udensike, also known as Dr. Jacob Bello. Udensike was implicated in a transnational oil-related fraud scheme, which amounted to over $1,000,000.
The conviction stemmed from a petition filed by a United States-based energy company. The company alleged that Udensike had fraudulently obtained funds under the guise of facilitating legitimate crude oil transactions in Nigeria.
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force – National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) initiated an investigation based on the petition. Their findings revealed that Udensike operated a coordinated criminal network from 2018 to 2023. This network utilized forged documents, purportedly from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other regulatory agencies, to deceive the victim’s company.
Forensic analyses confirmed the counterfeit nature of the documents, seals, and authentication materials presented by Udensike. It was discovered that the funds acquired through the scheme were diverted into accounts linked to him and his accomplices.
Following a thorough investigation and prosecution, a Federal High Court in Abuja convicted the suspect on October 22 on charges of Forgery, Obtaining by False Pretence, and Money Laundering. The court also ordered the forfeiture of assets worth millions of naira, including real estate and properties derived from the crime’s proceeds, to facilitate restitution to the victim.
Hundeyin noted that the I-G reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to safeguarding corporate integrity and ensuring that cyber-enabled financial criminals, regardless of their status or location, are brought to justice.