The Nigeria Police Force INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, has arrested a Canadian citizen, Robert Harms, for allegedly tricking a Nigerian company into investing $210,000 in a non-existent Waste-to-Energy project in Canada.

Police spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi confirmed on Tuesday that Harms’ arrest followed a petition filed by Tepison Enterprises, a company based in Akwa Ibom State.

The company accused Harms of fraudulently inducing them to invest in the fake project.

Investigations revealed that Harms fabricated a fraudulent Project Bridge Loan Agreement and orchestrated the transfer of funds to an account in Dubai through Allah Mai Girma Bureau de Change in Abuja, Adejobi stated.

“Further inquiries confirmed that Harms had no legitimate affiliation with VDQ-NRG Systems Limited, the Canadian company he falsely claimed to represent, the CEO of VDQ-NRG Systems Limited when contacted denied any knowledge of or association with Harms,” Adejobi added.

Adejobi also disclosed that Harms was apprehended on February 7, 2025, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while attempting to leave Nigeria and that he admitted to receiving the funds and violating the investment agreement.

Formal criminal charges were filed at the Federal High Court, Uyo, on April 22, 2025.

Harms was arraigned on May 9, 2025, and remanded at the Uyo Custodial Centre. The case has been adjourned to May 20, 2025.