By Obasola Olatunde
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has successfully secured the conviction of David Udensik, also known as Dr. Jacob Bello, for orchestrating a transnational oil-related fraud scheme that defrauded a United States–based energy company of over $1 million.
The scam involved Udensik presenting counterfeit documents claiming to originate from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other regulatory bodies to facilitate purported crude oil transactions. Investigations by the NPF National Cybercrime Centre (NPF NCCC) revealed that between 2018 and 2023, the suspect coordinated a criminal network that diverted the funds into accounts controlled by himself and his accomplices.
Forensic analyses confirmed that the documents, seals, and authentication materials used in the scheme were entirely forged, highlighting the sophistication of the operation.
On 22 October 2025, the Federal High Court, Abuja, convicted Udensik on charges including Forgery, Obtaining by False Pretence, and Money Laundering. The court also ordered the forfeiture of assets worth several hundreds of millions of Naira, including real estate and other properties, to ensure restitution to the victim company.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, commended the officers involved for their diligence and professionalism in investigating and prosecuting the case. He emphasized the Force’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s corporate integrity and ensuring that cyber enabled financial criminals are brought to justice, regardless of their status or location.
CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to combat transnational fraud and protect both local and international investors operating in Nigeria.
