Police arrest blogger, Canadian over ‘$210,000, N452m fraud’

The Nigeria Police Force says its operatives have arrested Robert Harms, a Canadian national, and Okeke Ogechi Njaka, a Nigerian, over alleged fraudulent activities.

A statement by Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said Harms was arrested by INTERPOL operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja in February while “attempting to flee to Canada”.

Adejobi alleged that the Canadian “fraudulently induced” Tepison Enterprises, a Nigerian company, to invest the sum of $210,000 in a “fictitious” project in Canada.

“Investigations revealed that Harms fabricated a fraudulent Project Bridge Loan Agreement and orchestrated the transfer of funds to an account in Dubai through Allah Mai Girma Bureau de Change in Abuja,” the statement reads.

“Further inquiries confirmed that Harms had no legitimate affiliation with VDQ-NRG Systems Limited, the Canadian company he falsely claimed to represent.

“The CEO of VDQ-NRG Systems Limited, when contacted, denied any knowledge of or association with Harms.

“Harms admitted to receiving the funds and violating the investment agreement. Formal criminal charges were filed at the Federal High Court, Uyo, on April 22, 2025.

“Harms was arraigned on May 9, 2025, and remanded at the Uyo Custodial Centre. The case has been adjourned to May 20, 2025.”

Adejobi said Njaka, a blogger, was re-arrested for alleged cyber bullying, cyber stalking, and obtaining money under false pretences.

The force spokesperson said Njaka was initially arrested in January 2025 and subsequently granted bail.

Adejobi claimed that the blogger absconded after jumping bail.

“Persistent intelligence-led efforts led to her re-arrest on May 8, 2025, in her hideout in Abuja. Njaka will be arraigned before the Federal High Court on Tuesday, May 13, 2025,” Adejobi said.

“Furthermore, Njaka’s non-governmental organisation, Ogechi Helping Hands Foundation, is also facing prosecution for allegedly obtaining N452,821,982 in a medical assistance scam before the Federal High Court Abuja, along with Emeka Ezeogbo and Tolotolo Family Foundation.”