Nigerian Man Arrested in South Africa with Over R1 Million and Multiple Bank Cards: Full Story

 

In a significant development in Cape Town, South Africa, a 38-year-old Nigerian man named Seriki has been arrested following the discovery of a large sum of money and numerous bank cards found in his possession. This incident highlights ongoing law enforcement efforts to combat financial crimes and other illegal activities in the region.

The arrest took place on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, when officers from the Provincial Operational Command Centre in Parklands, Cape Town, acted on critical intelligence they had received. According to the authorities, these officers were tipped off about possible drug dealing activities linked to a particular residence in the area.

Captain Frederick van Wyk, the provincial police spokesperson, provided further details about the operation and what the officers found during their investigation. He explained that the police proceeded to a home located on Holly Crescent in Table View to conduct a search.

Captain van Wyk stated, “A search ensued, which led to the discovery of a substantial amount of foreign and South African currency in excess of R1 million (N88m). Not only did the members find the cash, but also a bag with bank cards belonging to various people.”

The sheer amount of money and the presence of multiple bank cards raised suspicions. The occupants of the house were unable to provide any reasonable or legal explanation for why they had these items. This lack of satisfactory answers led to the arrest of Seriki on serious charges.

According to Captain van Wyk, “The occupants of the residence could not provide a valid reason for possessing the items, and the 38-year-old suspect was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of suspected stolen property and conspiracy to commit cybercrime.”

The arrest is just the beginning of what promises to be an extensive investigation. The suspect is scheduled to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, May 15, 2025, where the case will be further examined by the judicial system.

Captain van Wyk also mentioned that the investigation will be handled by specialized detectives. “Detectives attached to our Provincial Organised Crime, Commercial Unit will investigate the case and might add more charges as the investigation unfolds,” he said.

This incident underscores the increasing vigilance of South African law enforcement in tackling crimes involving stolen property and cybercrime, especially those that cross national borders. The involvement of a foreign national in such a case also highlights the need for international cooperation in fighting financial and cyber offenses.

NaijaRush will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as new information becomes available. For now, Seriki remains in custody as the legal process unfolds.