In a case that blurs the line between romance and fraud, a 25-year-old Lagos woman, Emmanuella Ogochukwu, and her 22-year-old brother, Ogbuka Tochukwu, have been arrested for allegedly orchestrating a crypto-fueled robbery against her romantic partner – stealing three iPhones and $10,000 worth of bitcoin.
According to a police report, the victim – whose name remains undisclosed – filed a complaint at the Okota Police Station, prompting a transfer of the case to a specialized investigation unit under the Lagos State Police Command.
The suspects reportedly confessed after their arrest, leading authorities to recover the stolen phones and $4,300 in cash, part of the looted crypto haul. Investigators are still pursuing additional accomplices believed to have aided in the attack.
The police signal message reads:
“On the 17th February, 2025 a case of conspiracy and armed robbery was transferred from Okota police station to this outfit for discreet investigation. The complainant one alleged that his girlfriend one Emmanuella Ogochukwu “f” 25yrs conspired with her brother and his friends to rob him of three iPhones and bitcoins worth about 15million Naira.
Upon the receipt of the casefile and following the confessional statement of Emmanuella Ogochukwu “f”, one Ogbuka Tochukwu “m” 22yrs a younger brother to Emmanuella Ogochukwu “f” was trailed and arrested by the operatives of the Command. Both of them confessed to the crime.
All the complainant’s robbed phones and sum of N6.5million were recovered and have been registered with the exhibit keeper. Investigation is still ongoing to arrest the other wanted members of the gang. Further development will be communicated yours. Above for your information, please.”
What makes this case different from your typical armed robbery is the emotional manipulation that preceded the theft. Police reports indicate that the victim trusted Emmanuella deeply – only to be blindsided when she allegedly set him up.
This incident underscores a dangerous and growing trend: the intersection of romance and crypto crime. Digital currencies offer anonymity, rapid liquidity, and are hard to trace – all of which make them attractive to bad actors looking to exploit personal relationships for financial gain.
This case adds to a worrying pattern in Nigeria and globally, where romantic trust is weaponized for digital asset theft.
In December 2024, as reported by BitKE, Nigerian authorities arrested nearly 800 individuals in Lagos during a raid on a scam operation known as “Big Leaf.” That group used fake online relationships to funnel victims into sending funds to fraudulent crypto platforms – a phenomenon known as “pig butchering.”
REGULATION | EFCC #Nigeria Busts Up Crypto Fraud Syndicate in Lagos, Arrests 193 Foreign Nationals
The Commission is working with international partners and will investigate possible connections to organized crime.https://t.co/vDxrWamCNE @officialEFCC pic.twitter.com/GoFuq934rM
— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) December 17, 2024
In that raid, suspects – some foreign nationals – were caught running scripts, posing as romantic interests on WhatsApp and Instagram, and guiding victims into sending crypto to non-existent investment platforms.
Why Bitcoin and Crypto Are Prime Targets
Fast and Final: Unlike traditional bank transfers, crypto transactions can’t be reversed once sent.
Hard to Track: Many victims never recover their stolen assets due to weak crypto tracing infrastructure.
Emotional Targets: From pig butchering to romance scams, perpetrators prey on loneliness, trust, and urgency to extract money quickly.
CRYPTO CRIME | EFCC Nigeria Arraigns Foreign Nationals Accused of Cryptocurrency and Romance Fraud Following a ‘Landmark Raid’
The EFCC described the raid as its largest single-day operation, calling it a ‘landmark raid.’https://t.co/dltTTNnG3B @officialEFCC pic.twitter.com/aR7PvzaNHU
— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) February 21, 2025
Whether it’s an elaborate pig butchering scam or a one-on-one betrayal like the Lagos case, the rules are the same:
Trust Checklist for Crypto Safety:
Never share your wallet keys or balances—not even with a partner.
Avoid crypto discussions in early-stage relationships—especially if initiated by the other person.
Don’t send bitcoin or crypto based on emotional pressure.
Use trusted exchanges with real-time fraud alerts.
Report suspicious behavior to authorities and platforms immediately.
If love feels too good to be true – and involves crypto – it just might be.
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