Sextortion: Police cautions public on use of dating apps

• Nabs lady who specialises in blackmailing victims

The Nigeria Police has cautioned the public on the use of dating applications due to growing cases of sextortion, blackmail and cybercrimes. Force Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ademuyiwa Adejobi, gave the caution at a briefing on a recent case of sextortion, cyber bullying, character defamation and blackmail, yesterday, in Abuja.

He said increasing cases of cybercrimes in Nigeria calls for caution among users. “Nigeria Police urges Nigerians to exercise discretion on dating apps. In a digital age where connections and relationships are often forged through digital platforms, we are increasingly aware of the importance of discretion and vigilance in our virtual interactions.

Citing recent cases of sextortion, cyber bullying, character defamation and blackmail by a user of one of the dating apps, Adejobi said caution must be a watchword, while navigating the world of online dating. He said: “The incident in question involved complainants who, like many men and women, sought companionship through a dating app.”

After months of communication, agreed to meet a young lady named Okpara Joan Chizaram, who insisted on visiting his home.

“The encounter resulted in consensual activities, but little did he know that his trust would be betrayed in a most invasive manner. Apparently, Chizaram made a video of the encounter and began to blackmail the man in question with it.”

Following a report lodged by the victim against her, the police revealed, during interrogation, that it was her stock in trade to meet men online, engage in consensual acts with them only to record the entire encounter to be used for extortion purposes.