Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Delta State Police Command has confirmed that it is investigating a 17-year-old boy accused of hacking into WhatsApp accounts belonging to celebrities and distributing explicit content to fellow students, in a case that has raised renewed concerns over rising cybercrime among minors.
The development was disclosed during a security awareness programme in Delta State, where comedian Otaghware Onodjayeke, popularly known as I Go Save, shared details of the incident based on accounts provided by a Divisional Police Officer in the Uvwie Local Government Area, Temi Agbede-Zuokumor.
According to the police officer, the case came to light after officers conducted a routine search on a student’s mobile phone, which revealed suspicious activity. The discovery prompted further investigation into the device and the boy’s online interactions.
Agbede-Zuokumor explained that initial attempts to verify ownership of the phone were met with conflicting responses from the suspect’s mother, who reportedly insisted that the device belonged to the boy’s sister. However, inconsistencies in her explanation led officers to conduct a more detailed examination of the phone.
During the inspection, investigators reportedly discovered a large volume of explicit content stored on the device, along with multiple international contacts. The officer stated that the phone contained more than 80 foreign numbers, including several Australian lines, raising further questions about the extent of the teenager’s online activities and connections.
Police findings also suggested that the suspect had allegedly been involved in the sale of explicit materials to his schoolmates. Some students were reportedly found to have communicated with him in relation to accessing such content, and he was allegedly referred to by peers as “boss,” indicating a level of influence within that environment.
Authorities further alleged that the teenager had accessed WhatsApp accounts belonging to celebrities and used them to attempt financial exploitation of unsuspecting individuals. Investigators are said to be examining the scope of the unauthorized access and whether additional victims or compromised accounts are involved.
The Divisional Police Officer noted that the discovery highlighted broader concerns about youth involvement in cybercrime and the increasing sophistication of digital offences among teenagers. She emphasized that the case underscores the importance of parental supervision and digital awareness in homes and schools.
The incident reportedly began when the student’s phone was flagged during routine checks, prompting officers to look deeper into its contents. What initially appeared to be a disciplinary matter escalated into a cybercrime investigation after explicit materials and suspicious communications were uncovered.
During the awareness event, comedian I Go Save also referenced a separate incident involving online impersonation scams, illustrating the growing prevalence of digital fraud. He recounted being targeted by an individual posing as a well-known international figure who attempted to solicit financial assistance under false pretenses.
The police have since used the opportunity to warn parents, guardians, and school authorities about the increasing involvement of minors in cyber-related offences. Officials noted that such cases are becoming more complex, involving hacking, content distribution, and financial exploitation conducted through mobile devices.
Security experts say the case reflects a broader trend in which teenagers, often with advanced digital skills but limited oversight, become involved in cyber activities that violate both legal and ethical boundaries. They warn that exposure to unregulated online content and peer influence can contribute to such behaviour if not addressed early.
Authorities in Delta State have urged schools to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and encourage digital literacy programmes that emphasize responsible internet use. Parents have also been advised to be more vigilant about the devices used by their children and the type of content they access or share.
The police confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the alleged hacking activities, including possible links to other individuals or networks. They also indicated that appropriate legal and rehabilitative measures would be considered depending on the outcome of the inquiry, given the age of the suspect.
For now, the teenager remains under investigation as authorities continue to piece together evidence surrounding the alleged cyber activities. The case has drawn significant attention locally, serving as a reminder of the evolving nature of cybercrime and its increasing penetration into younger demographics.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments