By Praise Afolabi
The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old student of Modibbo Adama University, Yola, for alleged involvement in multiple cybercrimes, including impersonation, sextortion, and cyberstalking.
The suspect, identified as Paul John, a 500-level student and resident of Jiddel in Michika Local Government Area, was accused of creating several fake social media accounts using the pictures of unsuspecting women without their consent. Police disclosed that the accounts, operated under names such as Rose YarLele, Procious Favourite, Wange Precious, and Joy Dennis, were used to post manipulated images with offensive captions including “sexy lesbian” and “I am lesbian.”
Investigations revealed that John allegedly obtained nude photographs from some victims, which he used to threaten and extort money and sexual favors. He was also accused of advertising victims for prostitution, further damaging their reputations while using multiple WhatsApp numbers to conceal his identity. Authorities said the crimes caused significant emotional, financial, and reputational harm to several women.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, operatives attached to the Commissioner’s Monitoring Unit arrested the suspect following credible intelligence. Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, has since ordered a thorough investigation and directed that John be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
The Commissioner warned individuals engaging in sextortion, cyberstalking, and online impersonation to desist, stressing that the police will apprehend offenders and ensure they face the full weight of the law.
He also urged social media users, particularly women, to exercise caution in sharing personal images online and to report suspicious activities to the police. The Command, he added, remains committed to safeguarding the dignity, rights, and safety of residents both offline and online.
