NAPTIP arrests cultists over sextortion in Abuja

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has apprehended some cultists in Abuja for acts of sexual abuse.

The Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye said the arrests followed undercover operations ordered by the Director General, Fatima Waziri-Azi.

In a statement on Tuesday, Adekoye said members of the gang had been terrorising young girls and other Federal Capital Territory residents.

NAPTIP disclosed that it was inundated by a series of complaints from victims of sextortion who had been blackmailed.

Waziri-Azi, a Professor of Law, told the victims not to be gaslighted into thinking it was their fault, charging them to speak out.

“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,” she said.

Sextortion is when someone threatens to distribute nudes and private videos of another person when they refuse to grant sexual favours or pay money.

The crime is punishable under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015 (as re-enacted).