The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP) has announced it has arrested some cultists, who are members of a sextortion syndicate operating in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This was disclosed on Tuesday in a statement issued by the Director-General (DG) of NAPTIP, Fatima Waziri-Azi, stating that the response by the Agency was a result of several complaints from victims and stakeholders.
Waziri-Azi said, “Sextortion is a crime that occurs when someone threatens to distribute nudes and private videos of another person when that person refuses to grant them sexual favors or pay them money.
“It is sexual exploitation as it is where the perpetrator uses coercion and threats to compel the victim to produce sexual images or videos engaging in sexual acts and this act is punishable under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015 (as re-enacted).
“After the criminals have one or more videos or pictures, they threaten to publish that content or they threaten 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 asking for help or reporting the abuse.”
She advised victims to report perpetrators of such crimes and also urged parents to encourage their children to report cases of sextortion to them.
She further said, “It is a crime against you. Report all perpetrators. If you do not report, you are emboldening these criminals.
“Stop the harassment by reporting it to NAPTIP. Save all chats or messages between yourself 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 have your phone or other electronic camera devices pointed at you while undressing or in a position, you would not want to share with the world. Be smart and stay safe.”