Young POS Operator Commits Suicide After Losing N2.5m to Fraudsters

A man identified as Utibe Eteffia from Uyo, Akwa Ibom has died by suicide after reportedly losing N2.5 million to internet fraudsters known as ‘Yahoo Plus’ boys. Eteffia, who operated a Point of Sale (PoS) business near the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) state secretariat, ingested a poisonous substance in his hometown in Ini Local Government Area, ending his life.

Neighbours confirmed that Eteffia had been visibly distressed in the days leading up to his death. He had reportedly become withdrawn and was seen crying on several occasions. He was also known to make lengthy late-night phone calls. Posts made on his social media accounts days before his death, including an image of a lit candle and a caption that read “Do you believe in reincarnation?” had alarmed some of his followers, but few grasped the seriousness of the situation.

According to a neighbour, Eteffia had asked for rat poison about a week before his death, claiming he needed it to deal with rodents. Another resident noted he visited a local chemist shop and successfully purchased a poisonous substance, which he later used to take his own life.

Reports suggest that Eteffia was lured into a fraudulent online scheme by cybercriminals who introduced him to the so-called Yahoo Plus cult network. After being initiated and making a financial commitment of N2.5 million, he was duped and left devastated.

Family members say Eteffia returned to his village quietly, where he consumed the poison at night after other members of the household had gone to bed. His lifeless body was discovered on the balcony the next morning.

Eteffia was orphaned at a young age and raised by his aunt, who supported his education through secondary school. He later launched his PoS business with financial help from relatives and friends. Prior to his death, he reportedly gave his iPhone and ATM card PIN to his sister, a gesture neighbours now interpret as a final goodbye.

A relative of the deceased said the family is still in shock and has postponed burial arrangements pending further investigation into the circumstances that led to his tragic death.