Police Arrest ‘Captain Junaid’ In Kano Over N3.5Million, $1,500 Romance Fraud, Threat To Leak Woman’s Intimate Videos | Sahara Reporters

Abdullahi, who allegedly operated online under the name “Captain Junaid,” was arrested at his residence in Kano on August 4, 2026, following a petition from a female victim.

The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre has arrested Abdulwajeed Abdullahi in Kano State over allegations that he defrauded victims of N3.5 million and $1,500 and threatened a woman with the release of her intimate photographs and videos.

Abdullahi, who allegedly operated online under the name “Captain Junaid,” was arrested at his residence in Kano on August 4, 2026, following a petition from a female victim.

According to The PUNCH, the Director of the National Cybercrime Centre, AIG Akaninyene Ezima, disclosed the arrest in Abuja on Wednesday.

Ezima said the investigation began after the complainant submitted a petition dated July 28, alleging that Abdullahi established a romantic relationship with her online before demanding $3,000 and threatening to publish her intimate materials.

The police said the suspect first contacted the woman on TikTok on June 18 before moving their conversation to WhatsApp. Ezima said the suspect allegedly persuaded her to send intimate photographs and videos and later demanded money, threatening to release the materials if she refused to pay.

“On 18th July, 2026, the suspect demanded US$3,000.00 and threatened to release the intimate materials if payment was not made,” Ezima said.

Further investigation, the police said, linked the same online identity to other alleged victims. One victim reportedly lost N3.5 million, while another woman from Bauchi State allegedly paid $1,500 to the suspect under a supposed foreign exchange trading arrangement.

Ezima said investigators used open-source intelligence and other investigative methods to identify Abdullahi as the person behind the “Captain Junaid” account and traced him to Kano. He said operatives subsequently arrested him at his residence.

A forensic examination of devices recovered from the suspect allegedly uncovered intimate photographs and videos belonging to several women, as well as forged academic certificates and identity cards carrying Abdullahi’s photograph but different names.

The police also said Abdullahi confessed during interrogation to starting romance scam activities in January 2026. According to Ezima, the suspect admitted receiving N3.5 million from one victim and $1,500 from another, while also threatening the complainant with the release of her intimate materials.

The suspect allegedly told investigators that he used the identity, photographs and publicly available materials of a Saudi pilot identified as “Captain Abdullahi Rajhi” to create the fake “Captain Junaid” persona. He also allegedly disclosed that some photographs and videos used in his activities were obtained from Telegram groups.

The arrest forms part of a wider set of cybercrime investigations announced by the National Cybercrime Centre, including cases involving alleged business email compromise, investment fraud, identity theft and impersonation. The police said the investigations are being pursued with the use of forensic tools and collaboration with international law enforcement agencies where necessary.

Ezima warned members of the public to verify the identities of people who contact them online, particularly those claiming to be police officers or senior government officials.

He also said the police would continue to strengthen their technical capacity and international partnerships to identify, trace and prosecute suspected cybercrime offenders.