Police Arrest Three Over Nude Photo Blackmail Scheme in Lagos

Operatives of the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) in Lagos have arrested three suspects linked to a cyber blackmail and extortion ring that targeted victims using private images.

The PSFU spokesperson, DSP Ovie Ewhubare, said the suspects—two men and a woman—were taken into custody after a victim filed a petition reporting repeated threats from unknown individuals demanding money.

According to the police, the victim received several calls from the suspects, who threatened to release her nude photographs if she did not pay. Fearing the consequences, she transferred money to them. The situation escalated when the group allegedly demanded an additional ₦10 million, prompting her to report the matter to authorities.

Following the complaint, the Commissioner of Police, PSFU, Kayode Ojapinwa, directed an immediate investigation. This led to the arrest of the three suspects.

Investigators found that one of the suspects had unlawfully accessed the victim’s mobile device and copied her private photographs. He then allegedly worked with the others, along with accomplices still at large, to demand and collect money from the victim in multiple payments.

The suspects remain in custody and are expected to be charged in court. Police say efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the group and recover funds obtained through the scheme.