Police say a 30-year-old man allegedly lured female Point-of-Sale operators to isolated locations under the guise of conducting cash transactions, before robbing and sexually assaulting them. Investigators are urging other possible victims to come forward.
The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man over allegations of serial rape, robbery and sextortion involving female Point-of-Sale (PoS) operators and other young women in Enugu metropolis.
The suspect, identified in police reports as Ugbor Chika Paul, was arrested following investigations into multiple alleged incidents of sexual violence and robbery.
The police said preliminary investigations indicated that he targeted female PoS operators by pretending to require large cash transactions. He allegedly used the arrangement to lure some women to secluded locations, where they were robbed and sexually assaulted.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed the arrest in a statement on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
How the suspect allegedly targeted PoS operators
According to the police, two of the reported incidents involved female PoS operators at Akwata Market in Enugu.
In the first case, a 20-year-old operator was allegedly lured to a bush behind St. Peter’s Church in the Coal Camp area at about 11 a.m. on May 21, 2026.
The suspect allegedly raped her and stole ₦600,000.
In a second incident, a 30-year-old PoS operator from the same market was allegedly taken to the same location at about 5 p.m. on August 11.
Police said the suspect allegedly stole ₦120,000 from her after an unsuccessful attempt to rape her.
The allegations have raised concerns about the safety of small-business operators who regularly handle cash and may receive requests for large transactions from unfamiliar customers.
Fake Facebook account allegedly used to lure another woman
Police also linked the suspect to an alleged incident involving a 21-year-old woman who reportedly met him through Facebook.
According to the command, the suspect allegedly used a fake Facebook profile under the name “Franklin Umeh” to establish contact with the woman.
The woman reportedly met him around Old Park in Enugu at about 11:30 a.m. on October 4, 2026. Police said she was subsequently taken to a bush path around Udi Siding.
The suspect allegedly raped and recorded nude footage of her before stealing ₦100,000 and her mobile phone.
Investigators further alleged that he demanded ₦200,000 from the victim, threatening to circulate the footage if she failed to pay.
He also allegedly used her phone to contact some people on her WhatsApp list.
The police described the alleged conduct as part of a wider pattern of sexual violence, robbery and sextortion under investigation.
Police recover phone containing intimate images
The Enugu State Police Command said a mobile phone recovered from the suspect contained nude photographs and video clips of identified and unidentified women.
Investigators are examining the material as part of their efforts to establish whether other women were affected.
However, the presence of images on the recovered device does not, by itself, establish the circumstances in which each image was obtained or identify every person involved.
The police have not publicly confirmed the total number of victims who may be linked to the case.
Police urge other possible victims to come forward
The command said investigations were continuing and that the suspect would be arraigned after their conclusion.
It also appealed to other possible victims to contact the police and provide information that could assist the investigation.
The police specifically encouraged women who may have experienced sexual violence, cyberstalking or sextortion to report such incidents.
The appeal could help investigators determine whether the suspect was involved in additional cases and whether further charges may be warranted.
What PoS operators and other women should know
The allegations highlight the risks that can arise when business transactions involve unfamiliar customers and requests to meet in isolated places.
PoS operators and other small-business owners can take practical precautions:
- Verify unusual requests: Be cautious when an unfamiliar customer proposes a large cash transaction that requires leaving your usual business location.
- Avoid isolated meetings: Conduct transactions in public, well-populated places and do not follow unfamiliar customers to secluded areas.
- Tell someone where you are going: If an off-site transaction is unavoidable, share the customer’s details, destination and expected return time with a trusted person.
- Be careful with online contacts: A Facebook profile or WhatsApp account does not establish a person’s identity or trustworthiness.
- Report threats promptly: Preserve relevant messages, call records and other evidence of alleged extortion, and report the matter to law enforcement.
Anyone threatened with the release of intimate images should avoid blaming or exposing the victim publicly. Sharing such material without consent can cause further harm and may create additional legal issues.
What happens next?
The police say investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be taken to court after their conclusion.
Key questions remain about whether additional victims will come forward, whether investigators will establish further alleged offences, and what the evidence will show when the case reaches court.
The allegations have not yet been determined by a court. The suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
WeGoTalk will update this report if the police release further information about the investigation or court proceedings.
