The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) has reportedly arrested a Nigerian businessman at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, sparking widespread public interest and speculation across social media platforms.
According to reports, the arrest took place on December 24, 2025, at the country’s busiest international gateway. The circumstances surrounding the operation remain unclear, as official details regarding the identity of the suspect, the charges against him, or the specific offences allegedly committed have not been disclosed as of the time of filing this report.
Sources familiar with the development said the suspect was taken into custody during routine airport procedures, though it is not yet confirmed whether the arrest was connected to an ongoing international investigation or a pre-existing warrant issued through INTERPOL channels. Efforts to obtain clarification from relevant Nigerian security agencies and airport authorities were unsuccessful, as no formal statement had been released.
In the absence of official information, photographs of the arrested individual have circulated widely online, triggering intense debate and speculation among Nigerians. Several social media users have attempted to link the arrest to international cybercrime or financial fraud cases, while others noted the suspect’s physical resemblance to convicted internet fraudster Ramon Olorunwa Abbas, popularly known as Hushpuppi. However, there is no evidence at this time to suggest any connection between the two.
INTERPOL, which operates as a global network supporting law enforcement agencies across its 195 member countries, does not typically carry out arrests directly. Instead, it works through national law enforcement agencies by issuing notices and facilitating cooperation in transnational criminal matters. Nigeria, as a member country, hosts an INTERPOL National Central Bureau that liaises with international counterparts on cross-border investigations.
The arrest has reignited conversations around international crime, extradition processes, and the increasing scrutiny faced by travellers amid heightened global security measures. One user on X (formerly Twitter) commented on the development, suggesting that the arrest signalled intensified enforcement activities during the festive travel season. “Be advised, INTERPOL didn’t just come. They have a designation in every participating country. They’ve been here. Detty December just cut short. No more ‘I’m in your city,’” the user wrote.
While such comments reflect public sentiment, security experts caution against drawing conclusions before official confirmation is provided. They emphasize that arrests linked to INTERPOL notices often involve complex international investigations that require due process and coordinated legal procedures.
The incident comes at a time when Nigerian airports are experiencing heavy traffic due to the Christmas and end-of-year holidays, with thousands of citizens and visitors travelling in and out of the country. Security agencies have repeatedly assured the public of their readiness to maintain vigilance and ensure compliance with international security protocols.
As investigations continue, Nigerians and the international community await an official briefing that will clarify the nature of the arrest and the alleged offences involved. Until then, authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to rely on credible sources for updates on the unfolding situation.
