In a troubling case that highlights the dangers of online deception, Paul Efeturi Niboro, a 31-year-old Nigerian national, has been remanded into prison custody by the High Court for a series of offenses, including the publication of sexually explicit videos of a Jehovah’s Witness lady he defrauded online.
The accused, arraigned on 10 counts including fraud, publication of obscene material, forgery, and sexual extortion, pleaded not guilty to all charges. However, detailed revelations from the trial paint a disturbing picture of manipulation and exploitation.
According to Principal State Attorney Richard Gymbiby, the victim, a 40-year-old African-American residing in the United States, fell prey to Niboro’s schemes after meeting him on an online dating website intended for Jehovah’s Witness members. Using false identities and elaborate lies, Niboro convinced the victim to engage in a romantic relationship, falsely claiming to work as a Cyber Security Analyst with IBM in Canada.
The deceitful tactics escalated when Niboro, under the guise of financial hardship, coerced the victim into sending him money for various fabricated reasons, including medical emergencies and business expenses. When the victim refused further requests for money, Niboro resorted to threats, revealing that he had secretly recorded their intimate encounters and would publish the videos online if she did not comply.
Fearing humiliation and exposure, the victim succumbed to Niboro’s demands, transferring significant sums of money to him. Niboro’s manipulation extended to fabricating stories of accidents and extortion attempts by fictitious colleagues, all designed to extract more money from the victim.
Subsequent investigations uncovered a web of lies and deceit perpetrated by Niboro. Contrary to his claims, he had not traveled to Canada or Nigeria during the period of his interactions with the victim. Further revelations exposed forged documents, including pay slips and passports, used to bolster his false identities.
Additionally, Niboro was found in possession of explicit videos and images of the victim, which he had uploaded to pornographic websites and shared with her friends as part of his extortion tactics. The prosecution presented compelling evidence, including electronic records and forensic findings, confirming Niboro’s guilt in the crimes he was accused of.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with online interactions and the importance of vigilance in protecting oneself from exploitation. As the trial progresses, it is hoped that justice will be served for the victim, and perpetrators like Niboro will be held accountable for their actions.
