Public Alert Issued Over Circulating Blackmail and Extortion Messages

A public awareness notice has been issued to warn citizens about the circulation of blackmail and extortion messages designed to instill fear and force compliance through false authority, secrecy, and urgent financial demands.

According to the notice, the reproduced message is shared strictly for education and prevention, based on experiences reported by past victims.

Authorities stress that the content is not intended to validate the allegations or harass any named individual, but to help the public recognize common extortion tactics.

The sample message names Mr. Israel Elekima as the target of the threat and alleges the death of Miss Cheruke Ede, whose parents are referenced as seeking closure.

The unnamed sender(s) claim eyewitness knowledge of the incident and accuse Mr. Elekima and three unnamed occupants of his vehicle of criminal acts. Medical personnel are also referenced in connection with treatment allegedly provided at Hansa Clinic.

Several institutions and locations are cited in the message to create an appearance of credibility. These include Uwani Police Station, Ogui Police Station, and the Independence Layout Police Division, as well as the Office of the Inspector General of Police, the Human Rights Commission, and the Board of Internal Revenue, which the sender claims was used to obtain personal details.

The message also mentions Udeni Transport Line as a location linked to the alleged discovery of a corpse and threatens exposure through social media and blogs.

In addition, the message references a Honda vehicle allegedly driven by the accused and a black Golf car purportedly used by the sender(s), further adding specific details intended to heighten fear and urgency.

The threat escalates into a demand for ₦50 million, coupled with a deadline and warnings not to involve outsiders, along with promises to destroy evidence—claims experts say are typical hallmarks of blackmail and extortion schemes.

The awareness notice advises anyone who receives or encounters similar messages not to engage or negotiate. Recipients are urged to preserve all evidence, seek immediate legal counsel, and report the matter to appropriate authorities, as such communications may constitute criminal extortion.

Authorities also caution against sharing such messages without proper context and disclaimers, noting that fear-based messages rely on panic and misinformation to succeed.

Public awareness and prompt reporting, they say, remain critical in preventing and combating extortion attempts.