The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Lagos, has arrested three suspects over alleged involvement in cyberbullying, defamation of character, and extortion through threats to release private photographs.
The suspects, identified as Adegboro Pamilerin, Odepemi Mercy, and Humphrey Abedmengo, were apprehended following an investigation triggered by a petition from a female complainant who alleged sustained harassment and financial extortion.
According to police findings, the complainant reported receiving repeated calls from unknown phone numbers demanding money, with threats to release her nude photographs to the public if she failed to comply. The victim reportedly transferred an undisclosed sum to the suspects due to fear and emotional distress before they allegedly made an additional demand of ₦10 million, prompting her to file a formal complaint.
The Commissioner of Police, PSFU, Lagos, CP Kayode Ojapinwa, said operatives were swiftly deployed upon receipt of the petition, leading to the arrest of the suspects.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Adegboro allegedly gained unlawful access to the complainant’s mobile device and fraudulently transferred her private photographs to his device. Police further disclosed that he allegedly conspired with Odepemi, Humphrey, and other suspects currently at large to demand and collect money from the victim in multiple instalments.
The police said the suspects in custody would be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate and recover the proceeds of the alleged crime.
Ojapinwa reassured members of the public of the Unit’s commitment to combating cyber-related crimes and protecting citizens from exploitation.
He also urged the public to safeguard their personal data, exercise caution while using digital devices, and promptly report any form of harassment or cybercrime to law enforcement authorities.
