The Nigeria Police Force has secured a conviction in a transnational oil-related fraud case involving $1 million, the Force’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed on Tuesday.
According to CSP Hundeyin, the case arose following a petition from a United States–based energy company, which alleged that the suspect, Mr. Udensik, had obtained funds under the pretext of facilitating legitimate crude oil transactions in Nigeria.
Following the petition, operatives from the National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) launched an investigation that revealed a coordinated criminal network.
The probe showed that between 2018 and 2023, the suspect allegedly forged documents purportedly issued by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other regulatory bodies to deceive the victim company.
Forensic analysis confirmed that all documents, seals, and authentication materials presented were counterfeit.
“Funds traced through the fraudulent scheme were found to have been diverted into accounts linked to the suspect and his accomplices,” Hundeyin said.
After extensive investigative and prosecutorial efforts, the Federal High Court, Abuja, on October 22, 2025, convicted Mr. Udensik on charges of Forgery, Obtaining by False Pretence, and Money Laundering.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of assets, including real estate and other properties derived from the proceeds of the crime, to provide restitution to the victim company.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun commended the officers involved, praising their professionalism and reaffirming the Force’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s corporate integrity.
“Cyber-enabled financial criminals, regardless of status or location, will be brought to justice,” he stated.
In a related development, the IGP dismissed as false a viral claim alleging that he had “smuggled names” into the Nigeria Police Academy admission list.
He clarified that the 2025/2026 academic session admitted 370 candidates, 10 per state, solely on merit, having met academic, physical, and character requirements.
Egbetokun emphasised that recommendations for consideration by leaders or institutions, while customary, do not override merit or influence selection.
“Under the watch of IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, no name is smuggled, no slot is sold, and no standard is compromised,” he said, condemning the circulation of misinformation as a deliberate attempt to undermine public trust.
CSP Hundeyin added that spreading falsehoods against the nation’s law enforcement is “subversive propaganda and a direct assault on a national institution.”
