The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has arrested a suspected serial fraudster, Joseph Efe, for luring a woman to a hotel in Abuja with the intent to rob her. The 30-year-old suspect was apprehended at the Top View Hotel in Wuse Zone 5 after attempting to flee the scene.
Suspect’s Modus Operandi
Joseph Efe, of Edo and Ondo State origin, reportedly used a dating site known as “coded runs” to attract women, with the aim of robbing them. The NSCDC’s FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, revealed that Efe specialized in luring victims to hotel rooms, where he would steal their phones and attempt to make withdrawals from their bank accounts.
The suspect confessed to being involved in internet fraud (commonly known as “yahoo”) but stated that his activities were not yielding sufficient financial returns, leading him to target women. He operated in major cities, including Port Harcourt, Lagos, Benin, and Abuja.
Arrest and Rescue Operation
Efe was caught by alert NSCDC officers at a sentry post after they noticed his suspicious behavior. He tried to escape but was chased down and apprehended. Upon searching his hotel room, the officers discovered his victim, Olivia Ijeoma Chukwuemeka, who had been stripped naked and bound with adhesive tape. The victim, from Abia State, was immediately rescued.
Commandant Odumosu described the manner in which Chukwuemeka was tied as inhumane, and he emphasized the need for women to avoid engaging in dangerous online activities that could put them at risk.
Efe’s Criminal History
Further investigations revealed that Efe had recently arrived in Abuja from Lagos on September 17, 2024, and checked into FAB by Top Rank Hotel before moving to Top View Hotel. His initial attempt to rob another woman at the first hotel was foiled when the victim resisted, attracting the attention of hotel staff. However, due to the hotel’s poor security measures, Efe managed to escape.
At the Top View Hotel, Efe lured his latest victim on the morning of September 18. He assaulted her, bound her hands and legs, and attempted to steal from her, but found that her bank account held no funds. Efe took her phone and tried to flee the hotel, where he was eventually apprehended by the NSCDC officers.
Warning to Hotel Owners and the Public
Addressing journalists, Commandant Olusola Odumosu stressed that the NSCDC did not record the viral video of the incident and became aware of its existence only after it was circulated on social media. He reiterated that the Corps conducts thorough investigations before taking further steps, including prosecuting suspects or handing them over to relevant agencies.
Odumosu also warned hotel owners to be vigilant, ensuring that their premises are not used to facilitate criminal activities. He urged hotels to take additional measures to protect their guests and maintain the safety of their facilities.
The FCT Commandant also advised young women to avoid engaging in hookup practices, which could expose them to dangers such as robbery and assault.
General Influence
Following preliminary investigations, both the suspect and the victim will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further actions.
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Written By Fortune Davidson