Ayodeji Ayenuwa
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has apprehended Wilfred Bonse, a former Cross River gubernatorial candidate, in connection with a security breach and financial fraud involving cryptocurrency firm Patricia Technologies.
Bonse, accused of conspiring to launder N50 million, which is part of the N607 million fraudulently diverted from Patricia’s crypto wallet, was taken into custody following intensive efforts by the NPF’s National Cybercrime Center.
The investigation involves criminal conspiracy and unauthorized modification of computer systems, as outlined by NPF’s Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi: “The Centre has made progress in the investigation of the complex financial fraud reported by Patricia Technologies Limited. The case involves criminal conspiracy, unauthorized modification of computer systems, network, data, and the unlawful diversion of funds.”
This arrest follows previous accusations against Bonse for benefiting from a cyber fraud scheme in February of this year.
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Patricia Technologies, which suffered a substantial loss due to a hacking incident in May of this year, identifies Bonse as a key figure in the unauthorized fund diversion.
Patricia’s CEO, Hanu Fejiro, remarked on Bonse’s arrest: “This is not all the monies lost, but recovery from this would go a long way to soothe Patricia users.”
The ongoing investigation implicates multiple individuals, some of whom remain at large, according to Adejobi: “Outlining the details of the alleged theft, conversion of cryptocurrency wallets, and unauthorized fund diversion from the company’s Flutterwave account, the petition specifically mentions some individuals currently at large.”
Patricia Technologies has initiated a repayment plan starting on November 20 of this year, aiming to address user financial losses.
Fejiro emphasizes the commitment to user restitution, stating, “My commitment remains to Patricia users. Repayment started on the 20th of November, and it will continue until every user is reached.”
Ultimately, Wilfred Bonse’s arrest represents a crucial breakthrough in the investigation into Patricia Technologies’ fraud case.
The Nigerian Police Force’s actions align with ongoing efforts by Patricia to reassure users and commence repayments, highlighting a commitment to recovering funds and ensuring justice for all involved parties.
SOURCE: Pulse
Techrectory with Agency Report.
