Spiritualist allegedly records Indian woman’s naked ritual, demands $1,100 to keep video secret

Michael Olumide Alabi

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a self-acclaimed spiritualist, identified as Odigie Moses, over an alleged sextortion scheme involving an Indian woman and $1,100.

According to the Head, Media & Publicity, EFCC, Dele Oyewale, Moses was arrested in Ekpoma, Edo State, following allegations that he used a purported spiritual healing service to deceive, record and subsequently blackmail his victim.

According to a statement issued by the EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on August 7, 2026, the suspect allegedly presented himself on Zelle as a person endowed with spiritual healing powers.

The alleged victim, an Indian woman, was said to have contacted Moses after seeking spiritual intervention over what she described as life-threatening challenges.

The EFCC alleged that the suspect exploited the woman’s vulnerability by offering to provide spiritual assistance. In the course of the purported spiritual intervention, Moses allegedly convinced the woman to undergo a naked spiritual bath.

According to the anti-graft agency, the suspect secretly recorded the woman during the spiritual exercise without her consent.

The situation allegedly took a criminal turn after the suspect used the recording to threaten and blackmail the woman, demanding money from her in exchange for his promise not to release the video publicly.

The EFCC said its investigation established that the victim eventually paid $1,100 to Moses in an attempt to prevent him from making the compromising video available to the public.

The agency’s investigation is expected to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged offence, including the manner in which the suspect obtained the recording and allegedly used it to extort money from the victim.

Sextortion typically involves the use of intimate or sexually explicit images or videos to threaten, intimidate or blackmail a victim into providing money or other benefits. Law enforcement agencies have continued to warn members of the public against sharing sensitive personal content with strangers or individuals whose identities and intentions cannot be verified.

The arrest of Moses adds to the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to tackle internet-enabled financial crimes and other forms of cyber-related fraud.

The Commission said the suspect would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The EFCC urged members of the public to remain vigilant when seeking services online, particularly from individuals who make unverifiable claims about possessing supernatural, spiritual or healing powers and subsequently demand money or sensitive personal information.

The Commission also warned that the use of intimate materials to threaten or extort victims could attract criminal prosecution.

Moses remains presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.