Three individuals have been arrested by operatives of the Lagos Police Special Fraud Unit, PSFU, over an alleged cyber blackmail and extortion plot in which a victim was threatened with the release of her nude photographs unless she paid N10 million.
The suspects, two men and a woman, were arrested following a petition filed by the victim, who reported persistent threats and monetary demands from unknown persons, according to a statement issued on Friday by the PSFU spokesperson, DSP Ovie Ewhubare.
Ewhubare said the victim had received repeated phone calls warning that her private images would be made public if she failed to comply with the demands.
“The complainant, out of fear and emotional distress, transferred money to the suspects on several occasions,” he said.
He added that the matter escalated when the suspects demanded an additional N10 million, prompting the victim to alert the police.
“Upon receipt of the petition, the Commissioner of Police, Special Fraud Unit, Mr Kayode Ojapinwa, ordered an immediate investigation into the allegations,” Ewhubare stated.
According to him, police investigations led to the arrest of the three suspects and uncovered how the scheme was carried out.
“Findings revealed that one of the suspects unlawfully accessed the complainant’s mobile phone and transferred her nude photographs to his own device,” he said.
He explained that the suspect allegedly conspired with the others, as well as additional accomplices who are currently on the run, to threaten the victim and collect money from her in multiple instalments.
The police spokesperson said the suspects remain in custody and would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and to recover all proceeds of the crime,” Ewhubare added.
He noted that CP Ojapinwa reaffirmed the PSFU’s commitment to combat cyber-related offences and protect citizens from digital exploitation.
“The Commissioner of Police reiterates the Unit’s commitment to tackling cyber-enabled crimes and safeguarding the public,” Ewhubare said.
“He also advised the public to safeguard their personal data, exercise caution when using digital devices, and promptly report any form of harassment or cybercrime to the police, ” Ewhubare said.
