By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old man over the alleged killing of his friend and former classmate following a disagreement linked to internet fraud proceeds.
The arrest was disclosed in a video statement by the police spokesperson in the state, Bright Edafe, a superintendent of police. In the clip, the suspect identified himself as Oghenegare and admitted involvement in online fraud, popularly called “Yahoo Yahoo”.
According to the police spokesperson, the victim, identified as Courage, aged 25, lost his life after a dispute broke out between him and the suspect during their fraudulent online activities.
“The suspect murdered his friend and former classmate,” Mr Edafe said.
He explained that both men were engaged in internet fraud when a transaction disagreement escalated into violence.
“They went into the business of internet fraud, and somehow, they had a transaction conflict resulting in a fight where he used something that looks like a small shovel or a battle axe on the head of the deceased,” Mr Edafe stated.
Speaking in the video, the suspect openly acknowledged his role in internet fraud. When asked about his occupation, he said, “I am an internet fraudster, Yahoo boy.”
He told investigators that the victim introduced a “job” expected to generate close to $1,000. He alleged that the victim later refused to share the WhatsApp login details connected to the deal, which prevented him from accessing the transaction.
According to a report filed by Premium Times, the suspect said the disagreement led to a physical confrontation. He explained that he used a broken “sharp shovel” kept in his home for security to attack the victim.
“I kept it (the shovel) at home in case a thief visits,” he said.
He further told the police that he cut the victim’s head with the tool and later disposed of the weapon while attempting to evade arrest.
Mr Edafe said the police are still searching for the murder weapon.
The suspect also claimed that both he and the deceased belonged to a cult group known as Black Axe. He said the victim was known within the group by the alias “Vikings”.
When questioned about any benefit from cult involvement, he responded, “Nothing.”
The incident comes amid continued concern over the spread of internet fraud in Nigeria. Law enforcement agencies have sustained efforts to curb the crime across the country.
In September last year, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested 28 suspected internet fraudsters in Ilorin. The operation led to the recovery of luxury vehicles and electronic devices linked to the illegal activities.
Previous reports have shown that internet fraud remains deeply rooted in parts of Nigerian society, with many young people attracted by promises of quick wealth and an affluent lifestyle.