Six arrested as police bust syndicate accused of diverting N7.7bn in airtime, data

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested six suspects over the alleged hacking of a telecommunications company’s systems, leading to the diversion of airtime and mobile data valued at about N7.7 billion.

The arrests were confirmed on Wednesday in a statement by Benjamin Hundeyin, the police spokesperson, who said the suspects unlawfully accessed the company’s core operational systems.

Those arrested were identified as Ahmad Bala, Karibu Mohammed Shehu, Umar Habib, Obinna Ananaba, Ibrahim Shehu, and Masa’ud Sa’ad.

According to the police, the operation led to the recovery of two mini plazas used as retail outlets, more than 400 laptops, about 1,000 mobile phones, and a Toyota vehicle. Investigators also traced a substantial sum of money to bank accounts linked to the suspects.

Read Also: Army major killed in ISWAP ambush during patrol in Borno

The police said the arrests followed a petition by the affected telecommunications company, which reported unauthorised activities within its billing and payment infrastructure.

Investigations showed that login credentials belonging to internal staff had been compromised, allowing the suspects to gain access to the company’s systems and divert airtime and data resources.

After weeks of surveillance and planning, coordinated operations were carried out in October 2025 across Kano and Katsina states, with an additional arrest later made in the Federal Capital Territory.

The suspects are expected to be charged to court once investigations are concluded.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the officers involved in the operation for what he described as professionalism during the investigation.

Oluwatosin Ogunjuyigbe is a writer and journalist who covers business, finance, technology, and the changing forces shaping Nigeria’s economy. He focuses on turning complex ideas into clear, compelling stories.

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date