The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) says it arrested Wilfred
Bonse, former Cross River governorship candidate, in connection to the security
breach and financial fraud suffered by Patricia, a cryptocurrency firm.
He contested the Cross River governorship election in 2023
on the platform of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Bonse, according to Muyiwa Adejobi, NPF public relations
officer (PRO), conspired to launder the sum of N50 million that originated from
the fraudulent diversion of N607 million from Patricia.
In a statement on Friday, Adejobi said Bonse received the
funds with his bank account through a cryptocurrency wallet.
The fund is part of the N2 billion Patricia lost to a on its
crypto processing platform in May 2023.
Adejobi said after painstaking efforts, the police trail led
to the arrest of Bonse.
He said the police, through its national cybercrime center
(NPF-NCCC) made significant strides in the investigation of the complex
financial fraud case reported by Patricia.
“The case involves a
criminal conspiracy, unauthorised modification of computer systems, network
data, and the unlawful diversion of funds amounting to over Two hundred million
naira (N200,000,000:00k) as contained in a petition to the inspector general of
Police,” the PRO said.
“Outlining the details of the alleged theft, conversion of
cryptocurrency wallets, and unauthorised fund diversion from the company’s
Flutterwave account, the petition specifically mentioned some individuals
currently at large.
“Having registered his involvement in the complex crime.
Wilfred Bonse conspired in laundering the sum of fifty million naira
(N50,000,000:00k) originating from the fraudulent diversion of six hundred and
seven million naira (N607,000,000:00k) from Patricia Technology company’s
account to his bank account through a cryptocurrency wallet.
“While the investigation is ongoing, the Nigeria Police
Force wishes to assure the public that all individuals involved in this
criminal conspiracy will be brought to justice.”
This is not the first case of Bonse’s involvement in cyber
fraud.
In February, the politician was accused of benefitting at
least N40 million from a cyber fraud scheme executed by a group of hackers
identified as ‘The Syndicate’.
“BONSE WAS USED TO
STEAL FROM PATRICIA”
Commenting on Bonse’s arrest, Hanu Agbodje, founder of
Patricia, said the politician was used “to steal N607,000,000 from Patricia”.
“This is not all the monies lost, but recovery from this
would go a long way to soothe Patricia users,”
Agbodje said.
“The case is still being investigated, the hackers used
politicians to launder the stolen money. All of whom would be brought to the
book. One by One.
“My commitment
remains to Patricia users, Repayment started on the 20th of November, and it
would continue. Until every user is reached.”
Agbodje said he takes the new development as a win even
though the company still has some grounds to cover.
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