The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Ikoyi, Lagos, has dismantled a cyberbullying and extortion syndicate, arresting three suspects over alleged cyberbullying, defamation of character, and demand with menace.
The suspects, identified as Adegboro Pamilerin (male), Odepemi Mercy (female), and Humphrey Abedmengo (male), were arrested following a petition alleging sustained cyber harassment and financial extortion.
Confirming the development in a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Unit, DSP Ovie Ewhubare, said the suspects subjected the complainant to repeated threats after unlawfully obtaining her private images.
“The complainant alleged that she received several calls from unknown phone numbers, during which she was threatened that her nude photographs would be released to the public if she failed to pay certain sums of money,” Ewhubare stated.
According to him, the victim, acting under fear and emotional distress, transferred money to the suspects on several occasions before they allegedly escalated their demands.
“After collecting money in different tranches, the suspects made a further demand of Ten Million Naira (₦10,000,000.00), which prompted the complainant to formally petition the Police Special Fraud Unit,” he added.
Ewhubare disclosed that upon receipt of the petition, the Commissioner of Police, Police Special Fraud Unit, CP Kayode Ojapinwa, ordered a detailed investigation, leading to the arrest of the suspects.
“Investigation revealed that Adegboro Pamilerin unlawfully gained access to the complainant’s mobile device and fraudulently transferred her nude photographs to his own device,” he said.
He further revealed that the suspect allegedly conspired with the other arrested suspects and some persons currently at large to carry out the extortion.
“Further investigation showed that the suspects conspired among themselves to demand and receive money from the complainant through threats and intimidation,” Ewhubare noted.
The PSFU spokesperson said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
“The suspects currently in custody will be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction, while investigation is ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover all proceeds of the crime,” he stated.
Ewhubare said the Commissioner of Police reassured the public of the Unit’s commitment to tackling cyber-enabled crimes and protecting citizens from digital exploitation.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Kayode Ojapinwa, reassures members of the public of the Unit’s unwavering commitment to combating crime, including cyber-related offences, and protecting citizens from all forms of exploitation,” he said.
He also advised members of the public to take personal data protection seriously.
“Members of the public are advised to safeguard their personal data, exercise caution in the use of digital devices, and promptly report any form of cyber harassment or intimidation to the Police,” Ewhubare added.
