The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos State, has arrested Chinedu Ernest Ngwaka and his wife, Janet Onyekachi Ngwaka, over allegations of their involvement in a N320 million fraud scheme.
The Police Public Relations Officer for the FCID, ASP Aminat Mayegun, confirmed the arrest and detailed the couple’s alleged fraudulent activities, following a petition filed by Mr. Tochukwu Unachukwu, the Managing Director of Casco Electronics Company Limited.
According to ASP Mayegun: “On the 9th of September 2024, the Nigerian Police Force received a petition addressed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, FCID Annex, Lagos, from Chinedu Laz and Partners (Deo Gratia Chambers) on behalf of Mr Tochukwu Unachukwu, accusing Chinedu Ernest Ngwaka and his wife of orchestrating a N320 million fraudulent scheme.”
Detectives from the Special Investigations Team (SIT) of the Anti-Fraud Section, FCID, launched an intelligence-led investigation, reviewing banking records and securing a warrant of arrest for the suspects.
Mayegun disclosed that between March and May 2024, Mr. Unachukwu transferred a total of N320 million to the couple’s company accounts—Edunaco Multiple Resources Limited and Bright Janes World—for the procurement of $200,000 to facilitate the supply of goods from China.
“Further investigation uncovered fraudulent documents, including a telex confirmation from Zenith Bank, which claimed to confirm the completion of the transactions in two $100,000 tranches. However, the Chinese suppliers denied receiving any funds,” she stated.
Mayegun revealed that during the operation, the SIT recovered a black 2024 Toyota Hilux with a fake presidency number plate (02B679FG) from Ngwaka. The suspect also falsely claimed to operate under the name Phobia BDC Ltd.
Verification by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) confirmed that the suspect was not associated with Phobia BDC Ltd, whose license had been revoked earlier this year.
A fake ID card purportedly issued by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, identifying Ngwaka as a consultant.
A fraudulent letter of introduction allegedly from the Head of Service of the Federation, seeking allocation of a presidency number plate.
Mayegun added: “Investigation revealed that the Toyota Hilux was imported in June 2024 by Humble Autos and sold to a local dealership, Don-Neiel Automobiles Nigeria, before being purchased by Ngwaka using proceeds from the fraudulent transaction with Mr. Unachukwu.”
The FCID spokesperson disclosed that several other petitions had been filed against Ngwaka, including claims from Mr. Moses Chizoba Enechukwu and Chinedu Nwaforcha, who are seeking the recovery of ₦1 billion and ₦840 million, respectively.
Mayegun assured the public: “Upon the conclusion of our investigation, Ngwaka and his co-conspirators will be charged to court for prosecution.”
The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of FCID, AIG Romokere Godgift Ibani, called on the public to remain vigilant and report similar fraudulent activities. He warned:“Anyone involved in such illegal activities will face the full consequences of the law.”
