Three Nigerians have been arrested in Mwea Town, Kenya, over allegations that they were involved in cyber fraud activities.
Kenyan platform Tuko News reported that the suspects were picked up on Wednesday during a raid carried out by Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
Those arrested are Peter Chukwujekwu, Alazor Chukulute Sunday and Nnalue Chiagozie Samwe.
According to the report, residents in Mwaliko Estate had complained about unusual movements at night in the apartment where the men lived. This prompted security agencies to carry out a coordinated operation.
The DCI confirmed the incident, saying the arrests happened during what it described as “a multi-agency raid targeting a cyber fraud ring.”
The agency added, “Three Nigerian nationals nabbed in Kirinyaga multi-agency raid. A well-coordinated multi-agency raid in Mwaliko Estate within Mwea town has blown the lid off a suspected cyber fraud ring operated by three Nigerian nationals.”
Investigators also said the suspects claimed they were running an online business, but checks showed they had no valid papers that would allow them to live or work in Kenya.
This case adds to the growing number of Nigerians arrested in other countries for crimes ranging from cyber fraud to drug smuggling and human trafficking.
In June 2023, Kenyan police arrested 19 Nigerians in Nairobi for electronic fraud targeted at Kenyan residents. The DCI said the group acted through social media, especially Facebook, to lure their victims.
According to the agency, “The fraudsters start by befriending you on social media (Facebook), and once you accept the friend request, they initiate a friendly chat that promises the victim goodies to be sent through DHL at the airport.”
