A Federal High Court in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, has convicted David Udensik, also known as Dr. Jacob Bello, for his involvement in an international oil fraud scheme worth over $1 million.
The conviction followed a petition by a United States–based energy company, which accused the suspect of defrauding it under the pretext of facilitating crude oil transactions in Nigeria.
Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Investigations by operatives of the National Cybercrime Centre (NPF–NCCC) revealed that Udensik operated a criminal network between 2018 and 2023.
Udensik was also found to have forged documents purportedly issued by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other regulatory agencies to deceive the victim company.
According to the statement, “The Nigeria Police Force has secured the conviction of one Mr. David Udensik, also known as Dr. Jacob Bello, for his role in a transnational oil-related fraud scheme amounting to over one million United States dollars (USD $1,000,000). The conviction followed a petition by a United States–based energy company alleging that the suspect obtained funds from the firm under the pretext of facilitating legitimate crude oil transactions in Nigeria.
“Acting on the petition, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force – National Cybercrime Centre (NPF–NCCC) commenced investigations, which revealed that the suspect, between 2018 and 2023, operated a coordinated criminal network that forged documents purportedly emanating from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and other regulatory bodies to deceive the victim company.”
Forensic analysis confirmed that the documents, seals, and authentication materials used in the transactions were fake. Funds traced from the deal were allegedly diverted into accounts linked to the suspect and his accomplices.
Hundeyin further stated that the court, delivering its judgment on October 22, 2025, found Udensik guilty of forgery, obtaining by false pretence, and money laundering.
“The court further 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, to facilitate restitution to the victim company,” the statement added.
Hundeyin also noted that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the officers who handled the investigation and prosecution for their professionalism.
“He reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to protecting Nigeria’s corporate integrity and ensuring that cyber-enabled financial criminals, irrespective of status or location, are brought to justice,” the statement concluded.
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