Billionaire Hyginus Nkwocha has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja on charges of alleged internet fraud and money laundering. The arrest, carried out on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, was confirmed by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, in a statement released on Thursday.
According to Oyewale, the 35-year-old Nkwocha was apprehended at Ever Green Estate in Lugbe, Abuja, following credible intelligence regarding his suspected involvement in illicit activities. The arrest was part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes in Nigeria.
The EFCC recovered several high-value items from Nkwocha during the arrest, including $2,200 in cash, an iPhone 15 Pro Max, a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, an iPhone 13 Pro Max, and a MacBook. Additionally, luxury items such as a gold chain and pendant, a gold bracelet, and a gold neck chain were seized.
The Commission also confiscated three luxury vehicles from Nkwocha: a Mercedes Benz ML 350, a Chevrolet Camaro, and a Mustang. The investigation further uncovered several properties linked to Nkwocha, including those located at Cookies Court 2 in Ocean Palm Estate, Ajah, Lagos; Unit C8 in Lugbe Airport Road, Abuja; and another at Cookies Court 2, 2nd Avenue, Ocean Palm Estate, Ogombo, Lagos State.
The EFCC has indicated that investigations are still ongoing and that Nkwocha will be charged to court once the investigations are concluded.
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.
