Suspected Internet Fraudsters Shoot Member over Sharing Formula in Edo

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Suspected internet fraudsters have allegedly shot one of their collaborators over disagreement arising from sharing of N94 million proceeds from their online scam. 

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday at Okhoro in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State.

It was gathered that the unidentified gunshot victim was said to have been driving in his Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) along Okhoro road when the gunmen, who drove in another vehicle, accosted him.

An eyewitness said: “The gunmen ordered him (victim) out of his car and shot him at close range.”

The witness  also described the victim as “Aza Man” – a coded phrase used to refer to an individual who provides a bank account through which fraudsters receive proceeds of crime from unsuspecting victims. 

According to the witness, “the Aza Man is believed to have ran into trouble after he reneged on agreement with other members of the syndicate over the sum of N94 million that was realised in an online scam.

The source stated: “While the Aza man was promised a certain percentage of the amount on payment, he however  retained the entire fund to himself and refused to share with the group.”

The Edo State police command spokesman, SP. Moses Yamu, who confirmed the shooting, said investigation has commenced, with the aim of arresting the perpetrators. 

Yamu added that the victim is undergoing treatment at a medical facility.