In response to a surge in cases involving sextortion, blackmail, and cybercrimes, the Nigeria Police has issued a cautionary advisory to the public regarding the use of dating applications.
At a recent briefing held in Abuja, Force Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ademuyiwa Adejobi, emphasised the need for heightened vigilance among users of these platforms.
Adejobi highlighted the escalating instances of cybercrime across Nigeria, underscoring the necessity for caution when engaging with dating apps. He stressed the importance of discretion in virtual interactions, particularly in light of recent incidents involving sextortion, cyberbullying, character defamation, and blackmail.
Drawing attention to a specific case, Adejobi recounted an unfortunate scenario wherein a user of a dating app, Okpara Joan Chizaram, exploited the trust of her acquaintance. Initially seeking companionship, the victim engaged in consensual activities with Chizaram after months of communication. However, unbeknownst to him, Chizaram recorded the encounter and subsequently used the footage to blackmail him.
Upon receiving a report from the victim, law enforcement authorities conducted an investigation that revealed Chizaram’s modus operandi of meeting individuals online, engaging in consensual acts, and recording the encounters for extortion purposes.
The Nigeria Police’s cautionary statement serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with online dating platforms and underscores the importance of exercising discretion and vigilance in virtual interactions. It highlights the need for users to remain wary of potential threats and to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement authorities promptly.
