A Nigerian national has been arrested by the Police in Prakasam district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh over his alleged involvement in Rs14.67 lakh [about N7,466,845.01] online fraud.

Onyech Hyginus, alias Petar Daniel, was arrested alongside two of his accomplices after a complaint filed by one V Achaiah with the police.

According to local media reports, Hyginus, 28,  who is an engineering student from Baptistpalem in Podali, had followed DP Joshua ministries of Nigeria on Facebook.

Hyginus, who owns the FB account of DP Joshua, lured Achaiah in the name of conducting prayers for his family members.

He was alleged to have made promises to Achaiah that they are constructing churches and hospitals in India with $2.4 bn and he would be given a commission of 20 per cent if he helps them.

Believing his words, Achaiah deposited Rs 14.67 lakh in various accounts of the accused.

However, when Achaiah realised that he was duped, he filed a complaint with the police and the case was registered under Section 420 of IPC and Section 66 of the IT Act.

Podili Circle Inspector V Sreeram investigated and collected technical data. Based on the information of the bank accounts in which money was deposited, a team of police led by Sub-Inspector KK Mitla went to Delhi. On February 21, the police arrested Onyech Hyginus along with two others — Shahid Khan and Mahammed Yaqoob (Both resident of Delhi) — with the help of Delhi police cyber cell. Later, the accused were produced in the Court there and brought to Podili on Tuesday.

The SP said the Nigerian national came to India in 2012 on the pretext of coaching football. He was arrested by Delhi police for overstaying in the country under Section 14 of Foreigners Act after his Visa got expired in 2014. He underwent imprisonment for two years in Tihar jail. After the release, he along with two other accused started cheating people in the name of Joshua ministries of Nigeria.

The police seized five mobile phones, nine ATM cards, 22 chequebooks and a Nigerian ID card.

Appreciating Podili police, SP Siddharth Kaushal appealed to the people not to fall prey to online fraudsters. Nobody should disclose ATM PIN numbers, OTP numbers to anyone, he said. He urged people not to respond to e-mails and messages promising freebies and prizes.

The Nigerian national came to India in 2012 on the pretext of coaching football. Earlier, he was arrested by Delhi police for overstay in the country under Section 14 of Foreigners Act after his visa got expired in 2014. He underwent imprisonment for two years in Tihar Jail