The Nigeria Police Force has returned $23,000 recovered from an alleged international romance scam to its rightful owner in the Cayman Islands.
The funds were traced and recovered by operatives of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, following a request for assistance from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, police authorities confirmed on Friday.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the investigation targeted a Nigerian suspect, Achufusi Obioma Ikenna, accused of defrauding the victim through an online romance scheme.
Hundeyin said INTERPOL detectives carried out covert, intelligence-led operations, which led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the stolen money.
After completing all legal and administrative processes, the recovered sum was formally handed over to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service through the British High Commission in Abuja. The handover was facilitated by Mr Shaun McLeary, who represented the High Commission, for onward transfer to the victim.
Police authorities disclosed that Ikenna will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
Describing the operation as a major success, Hundeyin said it reflects the Nigeria Police Force’s growing commitment to international collaboration, cybercrime control, and victim restitution.
“The Force remains determined to track criminal proceeds, recover stolen assets and ensure victims are compensated, while suspects are brought to justice in line with the law and global best practices,” the statement added.
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