Police debunk claims of N1.09BN theft from Enugu govt account

The Nigeria Police Force has refuted circulating reports alleging a cyberattack on the Enugu State Government’s account resulting in a theft of N1.09 billion.

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Thursday, January 9, 2025, the narrative is entirely false and misleading.

The police clarified that investigations conducted by the National Cyber Crime Centre (NCCC) revealed the case involved procurement fraud rather than a hack of the state government’s financial systems. The suspect connected to the fraud has been apprehended, and the stolen funds have been recovered.

“There has been no hacking of the Enugu State Government’s account, and the allegations of a N1.09 billion theft are completely baseless,” Adejobi stated.

The statement further assured the public that the Enugu State Government, in collaboration with the NCCC, has fortified its financial systems with robust security measures to prevent breaches. Ministries, departments, agencies, and private corporations were also noted to be enhancing their cybersecurity frameworks.

Adejobi urged citizens to verify news from credible sources before sharing, emphasizing the danger of misinformation. “We encourage the public to desist from spreading false narratives and verify facts before engaging in information dissemination.”

https://x.com/PoliceNG/status/1877494117053378884?t=b4M_tiWMvGI8QoIFU2jHjw&s=19

This clarification comes amid growing concerns over cybersecurity threats in Nigeria.