A 30-year-old man, Joseph Efe, has denied allegations of ritualistic intentions after a viral video showed him tying up a half-naked woman at the Top View Hotel in Abuja.
Speaking to journalists after his arrest, Efe stated that he is a thief, not a ritual killer, as was speculated on social media.
According to the report by PM News, the viral video had sparked widespread outrage, with many accusing Efe of being an internet fraudster or “Yahoo boy” who intended to use the woman for a money ritual.
However, the suspect refuted these claims, saying his only intention was to steal the woman’s phone, not to harm her or perform any ritual.
Efe, who was paraded by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, explained that he met the victim on a “hookup site” and invited her to the hotel.
According to his confession, his plan was to steal from the woman, whom he identified as a commercial sex worker, and not to kill her as some online reports suggested.
He said, “I tied her so that she would not run after me as I fled. I told her to take off her clothes so that even if she is able to untie herself, by the time she gets dressed, I would be long gone.”
Efe claimed this was not his first time committing such a crime.
He confessed to stealing from at least four other victims across different cities, including Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Abuja.
He also revealed that he resorted to theft to raise money for his sister, who suffers from sickle cell anemia.
The woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, also spoke out, explaining that she had met Efe through a hookup site.
She recounted how what seemed like a regular transaction quickly turned into a terrifying ordeal.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the case, and Efe faces charges of theft and assault.
The NSCDC has advised the public to be cautious when engaging with people online, particularly on hookup platforms.
Dr. Odumosu, addressing the media, assured that the law would take its course, and the suspect would be prosecuted accordingly.
He also stressed that the NSCDC is committed to ensuring justice and protecting vulnerable individuals.
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