The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an Edo State-based man, identified as Odigie Moses, over allegations of sextorting an Indian woman after posing as a spiritual healer.
According to the anti-graft agency, the suspect allegedly exploited the victim’s search for spiritual help before blackmailing her with a private video and demanding money.
The EFCC disclosed the arrest in a statement shared on Friday, revealing that Moses was apprehended in Ekpoma, Edo State.
Preliminary investigations by the commission showed that the suspect allegedly met the Indian woman through the Zelle platform after she sought spiritual intervention over what she described as life-threatening challenges.
The agency alleged that Moses introduced himself as a spiritualist with supernatural healing powers and persuaded the woman to participate in what he described as a spiritual cleansing ritual.
According to the EFCC, the suspect allegedly convinced the woman to take a naked spiritual bath, which he secretly recorded without her knowledge or consent.
Investigators said he later used the video to blackmail the woman, threatening to release the footage publicly unless she paid him money.
“The suspect subsequently deceived her into taking a naked spiritual bath, which he recorded live without her permission, and thereafter blackmailed her to send him money, else he would make the video public,” the EFCC said.
The commission disclosed that the victim eventually paid $1,100 in an attempt to stop the alleged release of the recording.
The EFCC added that investigations into the case are still ongoing.
It also confirmed that the suspect will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
The anti-graft agency reiterated its commitment to tackling cyber-enabled crimes, including online fraud, blackmail and sextortion.
Source: EFCC.//X
