NAPTIP Arrests Members of Notorious Sextortion Cult in Abuja

Rebecca Ejifoma

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arrested members of a notorious cult known for perpetrating gruesome acts of sextortion, terrorising young girls and others in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs.

Their arrest was said to have followed an intense surveillance and undercover operation ordered by the Director General of NAPTIP, Professor Fatima Waziri-Azi, in response to several complaints by victims and other stakeholders.

NAPTIP, in a  press statement the Press Officer, Vincent Adekoya, said: “It would be recalled that the agency has recently been inundated by a series of complaints from victims of sextortion who have been blackmailed with a plea for assistance”.

The statement also noted that it is sexual exploitation as it is where the perpetrator uses coercion and threats to compel the victim to produce sexual images or videos engaging in sexual acts and this act is punishable under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015 (as re-enacted).

Speaking on the development, Waziri-Azi expressed grave concerns about the incremental cases of sextortion perpetrated by mostly young men against young girls within the FCT and called for increased vigilance among parents and stakeholders.

“After the criminals have one or more videos or pictures, they threaten to publish that content, or they threaten violence to get the victim to produce more images.

“The shame, fear, and confusion victims feel when caught in this cycle often prevent them from asking for help or reporting the abuse,” she added.

The DG further implored young girls to be aware of this trend and protect themselves by reporting all cases of sextortion to NAPTIP.

She emphasised: “Do not be afraid to speak up. Do not be gaslighted into thinking it was your fault. It is a crime and a crime against you. Report all perpetrators.

“If you do not report, you are emboldening these criminals, and what happened to you will happen to someone else.’’

She warned against paying or sharing more of their sexual images with men, adding that their webcam or recording devices can be activated remotely.

“As such, never have your phone or other electronic camera devices pointed at you while undressing or in a position, you would not want to share with the world. Be smart and stay safe,” she said.

Waziri-Azi also enjoined parents to support their children if they report cases of sextortion to them.

 “Do not revile them. A lapse in judgment should not lead to condemnation. If you or someone you know is a sextortion victim, you can help stop the harassment by reporting it to NAPTIP. Save all conversations, chats, or messages between yourself and the perpetrator,” she said.