Mr Ifechukwu Tom Makwe has been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for being an fake senator, and allegedly engaging in an online fraud scheme totaling €5.7 million (five million seven hundred thousand euros).

Confirming the detention in a statement on Monday, Wilson Uwajeren, the spokesperson for the commission revealed that Makwe was detained in Abuja’s Guzape neighbourhood as a result of reliable information concerning his online fraud activities.

The official said the accused, who went by various aliases – Fahad Makwe, Senator Tompolo, Tom Makwe, and Dr. Bran, was found to have conned a Spaniard of €5.7 million.

He further disclosed that the suspect reportedly used false identities, including as a US Federal Bureau of Investigation agent, to swindle his victim and a diplomatic representative.

The suspect reportedly began scamming his victim when he initially met her on social media in 2013.

The spokesperson added that immediately the investigations are complete, the defendant will be prosecuted in court.