The advocacy group, SWAG and the Imo State Police Command have uncovered undergraduates who are part of a cartel allegedly targeting their colleagues for sextortion.
The sextortion case involved two alleged undergraduate students of Imo State University (IMSU), and they were both arrested following a sting operation.
On Friday, October 17, 2025, the advocacy group SWAG petitioned the Imo State Police Command over a reported case of sextortion.
The matter was swiftly assigned to the Owerri North Area Command. By the following day, the victim appeared at the police station to give her statement.
On Sunday, October 19, a sting operation involving three police teams resulted in the arrest of two suspects: Damian Ifeanyi Onuoha and Chidiebere Ohiri, both claiming to be 200-level Computer Science students at IMSU.
Police investigations revealed disturbing evidence on the suspects’ phones, including multiple victims allegedly targeted in sextortion schemes.
Authorities also discovered plans to assault another female victim later that day.
SWAG’s intervention reportedly prevented further harm and led to the suspects’ detention.
The case was brought before the court, but proceedings were adjourned until October 20 after one of the suspects failed to appear.
A bench warrant was issued. However, advocates expressed shock that one of the accused, Damian Onuoha, was no longer in police custody, raising concerns about possible compromise of the case.
Marjorie Ezihe, a leading voice in the advocacy movement, warned that the matter could be “terribly compromised” if civil society groups fail to mobilise.
She urged women’s rights organisations, legal associations, and the public to stand united in court to ensure accountability.
Advocates are calling on institutions such as the Ministry of Justice, FIDA, NBA Women Forum, and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to intervene.
They insist that crimes such as blackmail, cybercrime, gang rape, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images must not go unpunished.
“This is about the soul of our state,” Ezihe declared, urging citizens to show up in court in defence of women and girls. “We must make a strong statement that heinous crimes cannot be committed and perpetrators walk free.”
The case continues to generate tension in Imo State, with advocates pledging to use media partnerships and legal pressure to ensure justice is served.
