… IGP Egbetokun Hails Officers for Diligence, Professionalism
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded another breakthrough in the fight against transnational financial crimes with the conviction of Mr David Udensik, also known as Dr Jacob Bello, over his involvement in an international oil-related fraud amounting to more than $1 million (USD).
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the conviction followed a petition from a United States–based energy company that accused the suspect of fraudulently obtaining funds under the guise of facilitating legitimate crude oil transactions in Nigeria.
Investigations by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force – National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) revealed that between 2018 and 2023, the convict masterminded a sophisticated criminal network that forged documents purportedly from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other regulatory bodies to deceive the victim company.
Forensic analyses established that all the documents, seals, and authentication materials presented by the suspect were counterfeit. Funds traced to the fraudulent transactions were found to have been diverted into multiple accounts linked to the suspect and his collaborators.
Following comprehensive investigations and a successful prosecution, the Federal High Court, Abuja, on October 22, 2025, found Mr Udensik guilty of Forgery, obtaining by False Pretence, and Money Laundering. The Court also ordered the forfeiture of assets worth several hundred million naira, including real estate and other valuables derived from the proceeds of the crime, to enable restitution to the defrauded U.S. firm.
Commending the officers who handled the case, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, lauded their professionalism and dedication. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to upholding corporate integrity and ensuring that cyber-enabled financial criminals, regardless of their influence or location, are brought to justice.
