The police in Kwara State have rescued an American woman, Vonapolouis Moss, in Ilorin after being allegedly swindled by a 23-year-old suspected internet fraudster.
Speaking with journalists on Friday, the state commissioner of Police, Paul Odama, identified the suspect as Awoleye Joshua Oluwatofunmi, of Sabo-Oke Road, Ilorin.
According to CP Adama, Ms Moss of 2962, W 64th Court, Merrillville, Indiana 46410, USA, was allegedly lured into the country on January 9, 2023, by the suspect, who swindled her of more than $1,000.
“On January 12, 2023, at about 1200 hours, based on actionable intelligence, operatives of the SCID at the Kwara State Police command arrested one Awoleye Joshua Oluwatofunmi, “male” of Sabo-Oke Road, Ilorin, within the premises of an hotel along Flower Garden Road, Ilorin, in company of one Vonapolouis Moss, “female” an American citizen,” the commissioner stated.
“A preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, who is an internet fraudster known as Yahoo Boy, presented himself to the victim on TikTok, a social media platform, as an American by the name of Howard Adams and ripped her off of about 1,000 USD.
“The suspect later took a step further by luring the victim to fly into Nigeria on January 9, 2023, through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, after which she flew into Ilorin the next day and was received by the suspect.
“The suspect also took an unspecified amount of USD from the victim before she was rescued by police operatives.
“The necessary authorities have been contacted for appropriate action. Meanwhile, the rescued victim has been moved into secure custody by the State Police command pending her return to the USA.”
Mr Adama also said the command would continue to discharge its duties with a “full sense of responsibility”, adding that it would be willing at all times to respect the rights of every citizen.
