The National Cybercrime Center of the Nigeria Police (NPF-NCCC) has cleared Patricia Technologies of alleged diversion of depositors’ funds running into N607 million.
The Force also said it has recorded a breakthrough in the reported cyber-crime by arresting Wilfred Bonse and three other suspects, who they said have cases to answer in connection with the case.
Following a reported breach of its crypto-currency trading platform, Patricia in 2022, the firm petitioned the Inspector General of Police over the alleged theft.
The incident resulted in loss of funds belonging to depositors, which also led to the suspension of the platform by Patricia Technologies to curtail further compromise of depositors’ funds.
According to the Nigeria Police PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), during a briefing in Abuja at the weekend, investigation revealed a far-reaching criminal conspiracy involving the unauthorised modification of computer systems, network data and the unlawful diversion of funds totaling over N607 million belonging to the petitioner.
The police image maker said: “Wilfred Bonse, the key player in the complex cybercrime, arrested with three of his co-conspirators, is a prominent politician and former gubernatorial aspirant in Cross River State in the 2023 general elections.
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“He was found to have masterminded the alleged theft by conspiring with others, through the conversion of crypto-currency wallets and diversion of the said sum from Patricia Technologies’ Flutterwave account to his bank account.
In his reaction, Hanu Fejiro, CEO of Patricia Technologies, said the conclusion of the Police investigation and eventual arrest of one of the perpetrators is a huge respite to the firm, as well as all its stakeholders.
“This is a big relief. We have finally been vindicated as not a few disbelieved us that our platform was hacked in the first place.
“But thanks to the diligence of the Nigerian Police and the unwavering commitment of my colleagues, we are delighted that our customers now have more reason to continue to trust us. The dark days are over.
“With this development, Nigerians can now see that we have always been a truthful, fair, and responsible organization with the best interest of our customers at heart, ” he said.