Fraudster pulls off million-dollar h***t from prison

By , K24 Digital
On Wed, 20 Nov, 2019 12:47 | < 1 min read
Hope Aroke
Hope Olusegun Aroke allegedly used a network of accomplices. PHOTO | COURTESY
Hope Olusegun Aroke allegedly used a network of accomplices. PHOTO | COURTESY

A prisoner in Nigeria has many wondering how he was able to legally acquire properties, attend social functions and meet with his family outside of prison walls.

According to the country's anti-corruption police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Hope Olusegun Aroke has allegedly masterminded a "mega scam" to the tune of more than $1m (£773,000) from jail.

He was arrested in 2012 and sentenced for internet fraud.

The EFCC said the "immediate riddle" was to figure out how it was possible for the convict to "continue to ply his ignoble trade of Internet fraud from prison" despite serving a 24-year jail term at the Kirikiri Maximum Prison in Lagos.

"Preliminary investigation revealed that the convict, against established standard practice, had access to internet and mobile phone in the correctional centre where he is supposed to be serving his jail term," EFCC spokesman Wilson Uwajaren said in a statement that implied the convict had help from corrupt prison officials.

Kirikiri prison, where the convict is being held, is managed by the Nigerian Correctional Service, which has not commented on the issue.

The exploits of the convict have left many Nigerians in shock, as people are wondering how he could have pulled it off if he did not get help from government officials.

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