Police arrest man for ‘posing as woman online to extort victims’

The Lagos police command says its operatives have arrested a man for allegedly posing as a woman online to extort victims of their valuables.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Benjamin Hundeyin, police spokesperson in Lagos, said the suspect, Malik Opeyemi, allegedly exploited victims by asking them to send nude videos, which he used to later blackmail them.

Hundeyin said the suspect was arrested on May 16 after one of his victims reported the case at the Area F command.

The police spokesperson said the suspect was arrested in Oyo state and transferred to Lagos.

“Investigation revealed that the suspect has obtained over four million naira (₦4,000,000) from over thirty victims since he started this criminal enterprise in January 2025,” the statement reads.

“Further investigations revealed his modus operandi as demanding twenty-five thousand naira (₦25,000) payment referred to as “subscription” fee from his victims for access to nude and intimate contents.

“During the arrest, detectives recovered two Android phones — an Itel and a Samsung — from the suspect.

“A forensic analysis of the devices uncovered numerous explicit images of different victims. The suspect has since been duly charged to court.

“The commissioner of police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, assures the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating cybercrime and safeguarding residents from digital exploitation.

“He urges citizens to remain vigilant in their online activities and promptly report any suspicious behavior, reaffirming the command’s dedication to ensuring that all offenders are brought to justice.”