MTN SIM Flood! Airport Security Foils Attempt To Move 783 MTN SIM Cards

Airport Police Arrest Man with 783 SIM Cards Linked to Global Fraud Syndicate

A coordinated effort by security agencies at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, led to the arrest of a 29-year-old man, Abraham Akpojisheri, from Delta State, who was found in possession of 783 MTN SIM cards.

The suspect was apprehended at the airport’s domestic terminal while attempting to board a flight to Asaba. Preliminary investigations revealed that Akpojisheri had returned from South Africa in February 2025, where he allegedly acquired the SIM cards.

Upon interrogation, Akpojisheri reportedly confessed to being part of an international cybercrime syndicate involved in internet fraud and identity theft. According to investigators, the suspect and his group specialized in stealing personal data and photos to create fake online profiles used to defraud unsuspecting victims through impersonation.

He admitted to using Facebook to lure his targets, creating numerous email accounts under various foreign identities. With these accounts, he allegedly convinced victims—primarily in the United States—to invest in fraudulent forex trading schemes. Akpojisheri claimed he successfully defrauded at least 10 victims, accumulating tens of thousands of dollars in the process.

Further investigations disclosed that the SIM cards were intended for hacking into global customer accounts, and that the suspect had criminal networks operating in Ukraine, South Africa, and Nigeria.

Police say he will be charged in court once investigations are concluded. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend other members of the syndicate.

Commending the officers involved in the arrest, Airport Commissioner of Police, Olufunke Ogunbode, praised the team for rejecting a bribe allegedly offered by the suspect. She reiterated that anyone attempting to exploit Nigeria’s entry and exit points for criminal activity would be brought to justice.