Detty December Cut Short As INTERPOL Arrests Nigerian Man at Abuja Airport

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

A Nigerian man, Lawrence Olanrewaju Folawunmi, was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja over a US extradition request linked to alleged cybercrime.

American authorities accuse him of involvement in business email compromise and wire fraud schemes valued at approximately $1.25 million.

Folawunmi allegedly tricked a US company into diverting funds on eight occasions between 2021 and 2025, prompting the issuance of an Interpol red notice. He was apprehended by Interpol operatives at the airport and is currently in custody pending extradition proceedings to Texas.

A Federal High Court in Nigeria has ordered his remand in custody, with a hearing scheduled for January 21, 2025.

The US authorities claim Folawunmi masterminded the fraudulent scheme, which involved modifying payment information to divert funds into accounts connected to the scheme.

The arrest has sparked widespread attention on social media, with some users speculating about the nature of the alleged offence. The incident highlights Nigeria’s growing collaboration with international law enforcement agencies in tackling cross-border crimes, particularly during the festive season.