Segun Ojumu
Abuja, Nigeria
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has secured the conviction of an individual involved in a sophisticated international oil fraud scheme that defrauded a United States-based energy company of over One Million US Dollars ($1,000,000).
The convicted individual, identified as David Udensik (also known as Dr. Jacob Bello), was found guilty of orchestrating a transnational scam under the guise of facilitating legitimate crude oil transactions in Nigeria.
Counterfeit Documents and Forgery
The investigation, spearheaded by the NPF’s National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), began following a petition from the victim company.
- Criminal Operation: Investigators revealed that Mr. Udensik operated a coordinated criminal network between 2018 and 2023.
- Deceptive Tactics: The network used forged documents purportedly issued by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other official regulatory bodies to deceive the US firm.
- Forensic Evidence: Forensic analysis confirmed that all seals, authentication materials, and documents presented by the suspect were entirely counterfeit.
- Money Trail: Funds obtained through the fraudulent scheme were traced and found to have been diverted into accounts linked to Mr. Udensik and his accomplices.
Court Verdict and Asset Forfeiture
Following diligent investigative and prosecutorial efforts, the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered its verdict on 22nd October 2025.
Mr. Udensik was convicted on multiple charges, including Forgery, Obtaining by False Pretence, and Money Laundering.
Crucially, the Court ordered the forfeiture of assets valued at several hundreds of millions of Naira, including real estate and other properties derived from the proceeds of the crime. These forfeited assets are intended to facilitate restitution to the victim company.
Police Leadership Commendation
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, publicly commended the NPF-NCCC officers for their “investigative and prosecutorial dedication” and professionalism in handling the complex case.
The IGP affirmed the Force’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s corporate integrity and ensuring that cyber-enabled financial criminals are brought to justice, “irrespective of status or location.”
This successful prosecution sends a strong signal about Nigeria’s resolve to combat international financial crime and protect global businesses operating or seeking to operate within its energy sector.
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