Eniola Yekini
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a self-acclaimed spiritualist, Odigie Moses, over his alleged involvement in a sextortion scheme that reportedly defrauded an Indian woman of $1,100.
The anti-graft agency stated that the suspect was arrested in Ekpoma, Edo State, following investigations into allegations of cyber-enabled blackmail and extortion.
According to the EFCC, Moses allegedly posed as a spiritual healer on the social media payment platform Zelle, where he claimed to possess supernatural powers capable of solving life-threatening challenges.
The Commission said the suspect was contacted by an Indian woman seeking spiritual intervention for personal problems.
Investigations revealed that Moses allegedly convinced the woman to take a naked spiritual bath during a live session, which he secretly recorded without her consent.
The EFCC stated that after obtaining the video, the suspect allegedly threatened to publish the victim’s nude footage unless she paid him money.
To prevent the release of the explicit recording, the victim reportedly transferred $1,100 to the suspect.
The anti-graft agency said its investigation confirmed the payment was made under duress as a result of the alleged blackmail.
The EFCC added that the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.