A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced David Udensik, also known as Dr. Jacob Bello, to prison after finding him guilty of defrauding a United States–based energy company of over $1 million in a bogus crude oil transaction.

According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Nigeria Police Force, the conviction followed a petition filed by the U.S. firm, which accused Udensik of posing as a facilitator for legitimate oil deals in Nigeria.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, explained that investigations by the National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) uncovered a well-organized criminal network run by Udensik between 2018 and 2023. The suspect reportedly forged documents allegedly issued by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other government agencies to deceive the foreign investors.

Forensic analysis confirmed that the seals, authorization letters, and contracts used in the scam were all falsified. Funds traced from the fraudulent transactions were found to have been diverted into multiple bank accounts controlled by Udensik and his associates.

Delivering judgment on October 22, 2025, the court convicted him on charges of forgery, obtaining by false pretence, and money laundering. It also ordered the forfeiture of assets worth several hundreds of millions of naira, including real estate and other valuables acquired from the proceeds of the crime, to help recover funds for the defrauded company.

Police spokesman Hundeyin said the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the officers involved in the investigation and prosecution for their professionalism. He reaffirmed the Force’s determination to clamp down on cyber and financial crimes that threaten Nigeria’s global business reputation.

Egbetokun also warned that anyone engaging in online fraud or international oil scams would be tracked and brought to justice, regardless of their status or location.