The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Odigie Moses, a self-acclaimed spiritualist, for allegedly sextorting an Indian woman to the tune of $1,100 (One Thousand, One Hundred Dollars). The arrest was confirmed in a statement released by the anti-graft agency on Friday, August 7, 2026.
Arrest in Edo State
The suspect was arrested in Ekpoma, Edo State, following a petition from the victim, who resides overseas. The EFCC's statement detailed that Moses misrepresented himself on Zelle, a social media platform, as possessing spiritual healing powers. The Indian woman, seeking spiritual intervention for life-threatening challenges, contacted him for help.
According to the EFCC, the suspect deceived his victim into taking a naked spiritual bath, which he recorded live without her consent. He then blackmailed her, threatening to make the video public unless she paid him money.
Blackmail and Payment
Investigation by the EFCC revealed that the victim paid the sum of $1,100 to the suspect to prevent him from releasing her nude video to the public. The payment was made through Zelle, which the suspect used to conceal his identity.
The EFCC stated that Moses will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The agency also warned the public to be wary of individuals claiming to have spiritual powers, as such claims are often used to exploit vulnerable persons.
Impact and Warning
This arrest highlights the growing concern of sextortion, a form of blackmail where victims are coerced into paying money or providing sexual favors under threat of exposing intimate images. The EFCC has urged victims of such crimes to report to the nearest police station or the commission's offices.
The case has also drawn attention to the misuse of social media platforms for fraudulent activities. The EFCC reiterated its commitment to combating cybercrime and financial fraud in Nigeria.
