Man accused of organ trafficking to Canada reportedly steals N21m from POS operator – Police

A man has been paraded by the Nigerian police for his alleged involvement in various criminal activities, including deceit, organ trafficking, fraud, and more.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Ademuyiwa Adejobi, the suspect, Igwe Okechukwu, is accused of withdrawing N21 million from a POS operator’s account. Additionally, it was discovered that Igwe was allegedly involved in trafficking organs to Canada. The police spokesperson also mentioned the recovery of items such as a Toyota Corolla car key, an iPhone, and household items from the suspect.

The Force Criminal Investigation Department successfully apprehended Igwe Gift Okechukwu, who is now facing charges related to criminal conspiracy, organ trafficking, fraud, cybercrime, stealing, impersonation, deceit, cheating, and identity theft.

The case was reported by Anita Chinwe Mathias, a POS operator with multiple branches in Owerri, who had encountered the suspect while shopping. Igwe had introduced himself as Dr. Henry Ovie, a neurologist newly transferred to FMC, Owerri, and had established a close relationship with the complainant before exploiting her for his criminal activities.

The suspect proceeded to transfer the amount of #5,500,000 to the victim’s account, leading her to believe that he had a legitimate source of income.

Trusting him, she complied when he asked her to enter a code on her POS machine on September 11, 2023. However, after the suspect left, she discovered that all the money in her POS account, totaling #21,000,000, had been withdrawn. Despite her efforts to contact the suspect, she was unsuccessful.

When she visited the Federal Medical Center, where the suspect claimed to work, she was informed that there was no doctor by that name. Consequently, she reported the case to the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja, prompting intelligent officers to take action and apprehend the suspect.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the suspect had changed his phone number and relocated from Owerri to Lafia in Nasarawa State, where he had rented and furnished an apartment.

He was eventually tracked down and arrested. Further investigations uncovered that the suspect used various names, such as Igwe Richard and Ovie Henry, along with multiple phone numbers and emails to carry out his criminal activities.

It was also discovered that his identity was not registered with the National Identity Management Commission or any Nigeria Information Database. Upon his arrest, it was revealed that the suspect was involved in organ trafficking and had a contact in Toronto, Canada for this illicit trade.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun Ph.D., NPM, emphasized that this arrest demonstrates the force’s commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of the community. The IGP assured Nigerians that a thorough investigation is currently underway.