NAPTIP arrests suspects in Abuja for sextortion
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) claims to have arrested some members of an FCT cult group committing horrific acts of sextortion.
This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday by Vincent Adekoye, NAPTIP's press officer.
Mr. Adekoye said the arrests followed intense surveillance and an undercover operation ordered by NAPTIP Director General Fatima Waziri-Azi in response to several complaints.
He added that the arrest was a historic breakthrough for the agency in its efforts to address sextortion issues and nip it in the bud in Nigeria.
Mr. Adekoye explained that the group was known for carrying out horrific acts of sextortion and terrorizing young girls and other residents in and around the FCT.
He recalled that the agency had recently been overwhelmed by a series of complaints from victims of sextortion who had been blackmailed.
According to Mr. Adekoye, sextortion is a crime that occurs when someone threatens to distribute nudes and private videos of another person, and when that person refuses to perform sexual favors or pay money.
He said, however, that it is sexual exploitation when the perpetrator uses coercion and threats to compel the victim to produce sexual images or videos engaging in sexual acts.
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He disclosed that the crime was punishable under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015 (as re-enacted).
He added that Ms. Waziri-Azi, while speaking about the developments, expressed serious concerns about the additional cases of sextortion.
Ms Waziri-Azi said the crime was mainly perpetrated by young men against young girls within the FCT and called for increased vigilance by parents and stakeholders. She explained that after the criminals had one or more videos or photos, they threatened to post that content, or they threatened violence, to get the victim to produce more images.
"The shame, fear and confusion victims feel when caught in this cycle often prevent them from seeking help or reporting the abuse."
She advised young girls to beware of this trend and protect themselves by reporting all cases of sextortion to NAPTIP, stressing that they should not be afraid to speak out.
"Don't be fooled into thinking it was your fault. It's a crime and a crime against you.
READ ALSO: NAPTIP Rescues Breastfeeding Mother From Suspected Human Traffickers"Report all perpetrators. If you don't report, you embolden these criminals, and what happened to you will almost certainly happen to someone else.
“Parents, please support your children if they report sextortion to you. Do not insult them. Misjudgment should not lead to a conviction.
"If you or someone you know is a victim of sextortion, you can help stop the harassment by reporting it to NAPTIP. Record all conversations, chats, or messages between you and the perpetrator.
"Do not pay or share more of your sexual images with them. Your webcam or recording devices can be activated remotely.
"Never point your phone or other electronic cameras at yourself when undressing or in a position you wouldn't want to share with the world. Be smart and stay safe," the D-G advised. /p>
(NAN)
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The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) claims to have arrested some members of an FCT cult group committing horrific acts of sextortion.
This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday by Vincent Adekoye, NAPTIP's press officer.
Mr. Adekoye said the arrests followed intense surveillance and an undercover operation ordered by NAPTIP Director General Fatima Waziri-Azi in response to several complaints.
He added that the arrest was a historic breakthrough for the agency in its efforts to address sextortion issues and nip it in the bud in Nigeria.
Mr. Adekoye explained that the group was known for carrying out horrific acts of sextortion and terrorizing young girls and other residents in and around the FCT.
He recalled that the agency had recently been overwhelmed by a series of complaints from victims of sextortion who had been blackmailed.
According to Mr. Adekoye, sextortion is a crime that occurs when someone threatens to distribute nudes and private videos of another person, and when that person refuses to perform sexual favors or pay money.
He said, however, that it is sexual exploitation when the perpetrator uses coercion and threats to compel the victim to produce sexual images or videos engaging in sexual acts.
>
He disclosed that the crime was punishable under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015 (as re-enacted).
He added that Ms. Waziri-Azi, while speaking about the developments, expressed serious concerns about the additional cases of sextortion.
Ms Waziri-Azi said the crime was mainly perpetrated by young men against young girls within the FCT and called for increased vigilance by parents and stakeholders. She explained that after the criminals had one or more videos or photos, they threatened to post that content, or they threatened violence, to get the victim to produce more images.
"The shame, fear and confusion victims feel when caught in this cycle often prevent them from seeking help or reporting the abuse."
She advised young girls to beware of this trend and protect themselves by reporting all cases of sextortion to NAPTIP, stressing that they should not be afraid to speak out.
"Don't be fooled into thinking it was your fault. It's a crime and a crime against you.
READ ALSO: NAPTIP Rescues Breastfeeding Mother From Suspected Human Traffickers"Report all perpetrators. If you don't report, you embolden these criminals, and what happened to you will almost certainly happen to someone else.
“Parents, please support your children if they report sextortion to you. Do not insult them. Misjudgment should not lead to a conviction.
"If you or someone you know is a victim of sextortion, you can help stop the harassment by reporting it to NAPTIP. Record all conversations, chats, or messages between you and the perpetrator.
"Do not pay or share more of your sexual images with them. Your webcam or recording devices can be activated remotely.
"Never point your phone or other electronic cameras at yourself when undressing or in a position you wouldn't want to share with the world. Be smart and stay safe," the D-G advised. /p>
(NAN)
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