In a statement, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said that Ifechukwu Tom Makwe was arrested for internet fraud amounting to 5.7 million euros (US$6.24 million).
Makwe was apprehended based on reliable information regarding his internet-related fraudulent activities. Further investigation revealed that he deceived the Spanish woman by persuading her to send him money online using various names, including Fahad Makwe, Senator Tompolo, Tom Makwe, and Dr. Bran.
According to the EFCC, he even claimed to be an agent of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and a diplomatic solicitor.
The extortion scheme began in 2013 when Makwe reportedly made initial contact with his victim on social media.
A similar case was reported in Nigeria a month ago when EFCC agents arrested Charles Osaigbovo and Evans Obayaedo for scamming a British woman by posing as Nigerian movie star and producer Frederick Leonard.
The two individuals were apprehended in the Lagos Zone for their alleged involvement in a love scam, computer-related fraud, and obtaining money under false pretenses amounting to 38,000 British pounds ($48,235), according to the EFCC.
The arrest came after the British victim filed a complaint against the movie star Leonard, stating that they met on the social media platform TikTok and became online lovers.
"She also alleged that the fake Leonard approached her with a proposal to invest in a film production," the EFCC stated. As a result, she invested the reported sum.
The EFCC also mentioned that the victim contacted them after realizing she had been scammed, but all attempts to recover her money were unsuccessful.
