The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered and arrested members of a syndicate operating multiple fake identity verification platforms designed to illegally harvest the personal data of Nigerians. Acting on a petition from the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, police cybercrime investigators launched an operation that led to the arrest of eight suspects while efforts to track down others remain ongoing.
Deputy Force Spokesman, Victor Isuku, speaking at a joint press briefing in Abuja, explained that the National Cybercrime Centre deployed advanced forensic tools to trace the perpetrators and their fraudulent websites. Among those arrested were Hamzat Lukman, a software developer, and Babalola Tolani Suleiman, both accused of running goverify.com.ng along with other platforms for commercial identity verification. Further arrests included individuals linked to idfinders.com.ng and several other fraudulent domains.
The police revealed that these suspects had created phishing websites designed to mimic official NIMC portals, tricking unsuspecting citizens into submitting their National Identification Numbers and personal details. Investigations showed that they built parallel databases with the stolen information, which were then sold to third parties. Authorities confirmed that 13 of the 14 fake domains identified had been successfully shut down.
Commissioner of Police Ifenayi Uche, Director of the NPF-NCCC, assured Nigerians that the official NIMC database was never breached. According to him, penetration tests and vulnerability assessments confirmed its integrity. What was exposed was a network of criminals exploiting Nigerians through fraudulent sites disguised as legitimate identity verification services.
The Inspector-General of Police reiterated his commitment to dismantling cybercrime networks that target Nigeria’s critical digital infrastructure. He emphasized the force’s resolve to safeguard personal data, ensure digital security, and protect the integrity of national identification systems.
NIMC’s Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, assured the public that new safeguards had been introduced, including upgraded systems with the capacity to process 250 million registrations, decentralization of enrolment, and reinforced cybersecurity measures. She reminded Nigerians that official enrolment and verification processes are free and available only at authorized centres.
Authorities have urged citizens to avoid patronizing unauthorized platforms, stressing that any personal data shared on fraudulent websites not only compromises individual privacy but also strengthens criminal syndicates. Prosecution of the arrested suspects is expected to follow soon.
