The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Odigie Moses in Ekpoma, Edo State, over an alleged sextortion scheme that defrauded an Indian woman of $1,100. The suspect reportedly posed as a spiritualist on Zelle, offering to resolve life-threatening problems, but instead secretly recorded the victim during a naked spiritual bath and blackmailed her with the footage.
How the Sextortion Scheme Unfolded
According to the EFCC, Moses presented himself on Zelle as a spiritualist with purported powers to solve life-threatening issues. The victim, seeking spiritual help, contacted him after discovering his profile on the platform. Moses then instructed her to perform a naked spiritual bath as part of his supposed healing process, which he secretly recorded without her knowledge or consent.
The suspect used the recorded footage as leverage, threatening to release it publicly unless the victim paid him. Under duress, the woman transferred $1,100 to Moses to prevent the video from being exposed online. The EFCC confirmed the payment was made out of fear of the consequences of her nudity being made public.
Investigation and Next Steps
EFCC investigators gathered evidence linking Moses to the sextortion plot. The commission stated that Moses will be charged to court once investigations are fully concluded. The arrest was made in Ekpoma, a town in Edo State, following a complaint from the victim.
In a related development, the EFCC earlier arrested 74 suspected internet fraudsters in Abuja. The suspects were apprehended on June 30, 2025, at Joyous Hotel in the Nyanya area of the Federal Capital Territory. The operation led to the recovery of 86 phones, one rifle pistol, and three motorcycles, as disclosed via the EFCC's official X handle.
Public Warning Against Online Fraud
The EFCC has repeatedly warned the public about the rising cases of sextortion and online fraud. The commission urges individuals to be cautious when engaging with unknown persons on digital platforms, especially those offering spiritual or financial services. Victims are encouraged to report such incidents to the EFCC for prompt action.
This arrest highlights the agency's commitment to combating cybercrime and protecting citizens from exploitation. The EFCC continues to collaborate with international partners to track down offenders who target victims across borders.
