Enugu police detain 30‑year‑old accused of serial rapes, robberies and sextortion of POS operators

The Enugu State Police Command confirmed on Tuesday the arrest of a 30‑year‑old man identified as Ugbor Paul. Police say he is suspected of a series of robberies, rapes and sextortion incidents targeting female point‑of‑sale (POS) operators and other young women in the Enugu metropolis.

The arrest was announced in a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Daniel Ndukwe. According to the statement, investigators found that Paul used a fake Facebook profile, under the name “Franklin Umeh”, to lure victims online and then arranged meetings in secluded locations where he allegedly robbed and sexually assaulted them. A mobile phone seized from Paul reportedly contained explicit videos and nude photographs of both identified and unidentified victims.

Ndukwe detailed three specific incidents. The first involved a 20‑year‑old POS operator from Akwata Market who was drawn to a bush behind St Peter’s Church in Coal Camp on 21 May 2026, where she was allegedly robbed of N600,000 and raped. The second case concerned a 30‑year‑old POS operator from the same market, who was taken to the same spot on 11 August 2026, robbed of N120,000 and subjected to an attempted rape that was reportedly unsuccessful. The third incident occurred on 4 October 2026, when a 21‑year‑old woman was lured to Old Park, taken to a bush path along Udi Siding, raped, filmed naked and stripped of N100,000 and her mobile phone; Paul allegedly demanded N200,000 to suppress the footage.

Background

The alleged crimes form part of a pattern in which the suspect reportedly pretended to conduct high‑value cash transactions to attract female POS operators to remote areas. Police investigations suggest the use of the fraudulent Facebook account was central to the entrapment strategy. The recovered phone allegedly held visual evidence of the assaults, supporting the police narrative of a serial offender targeting women who work in the informal financial sector.

The Enugu State Police Command has been active in addressing sexual violence and cyber‑related crimes, urging victims of cyberstalking, sexual assault or sextortion to come forward. The command’s public communications emphasise ongoing investigations and the intention to bring the suspect before a court once evidence is fully examined.

Why it matters

The alleged offences have significant implications for the safety of female POS operators, a group that handles cash transactions and is therefore vulnerable to both financial and physical exploitation. The reported thefts amount to N720,000 across the three cases, while the alleged extortion demand of N200,000 highlights the financial coercion component of the crimes.

Police officials have stressed that the arrests aim to deter similar attacks and restore confidence among women working in the informal economy. The case also underscores concerns about online fraud and the use of social‑media platforms to facilitate sexual violence, prompting calls for greater vigilance and reporting mechanisms.

What happens next

According to Superintendent Ndukwe, investigations remain ongoing. The police intend to charge Paul and proceed to trial once forensic analysis of the seized phone and other evidence is completed. Victims have been urged to contact the command to aid the prosecution, and the police have indicated that further inquiries will focus on identifying any additional victims and establishing the full scope of the suspect’s activities.

The command has not disclosed a specific court date, but it affirmed that the suspect will be presented before a magistrate after the investigative phase concludes.