Big Man, Big Scam: Afikuyomi Hacked, Millions Gone as Fraudsters Target Elite

Security concerns are heightened amid reports that the phone of former Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi has been hacked, leading to significant financial losses for his close associates. Sources close to the ex-senator revealed that fraudsters accessed his phone contacts and proceeded to impersonate him to solicit funds from his friends and colleagues.

Details remain largely confidential at this time, but initial reports suggest the cybercriminals gained access to Afikuyomi's phone through sophisticated phishing or malware techniques. Using the stolen contact information, they contacted individuals under the guise of the ex-senator, requesting urgent financial assistance for various fabricated scenarios.

It is unclear how many individuals fell victim to the scam, but reports indicate losses amounting to several million naira. One confirmed instance involves a close friend of Afikuyomi who transferred a significant sum of money based on the fraudulent request.

Reacting to the incident, Afikuyomi issued a statement cautioning his associates and the public against fraudulent communications purporting to come from him. He has advised anyone contacted by someone claiming to be him to verify the information directly before taking any financial action.

"I urge everyone to be wary of any suspicious communication claiming to be from me," Afikuyomi stated. "Please do not transfer any money or disclose personal information based on such requests without confirming my identity through trusted channels."

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed receiving a report of the incident and has initiated an investigation. Cybersecurity experts are also urging caution and vigilance as such sophisticated phone hacking schemes become increasingly common.

Several key questions remain unanswered, including the specific methods used to hack Afikuyomi's phone, the extent of the financial losses incurred, and whether any arrests have been made. As the investigation progresses, additional details are expected to emerge in the coming days.

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This incident once again highlights the growing threat of cybercrime in Nigeria and the need for heightened awareness and security measures, particularly for individuals in positions of public trust.

Important Tips to Avoid Phone Scams:

• Never send money or disclose personal information based on unsolicited requests, even if they appear to come from someone you know.
• Always verify the identity of the caller through a trusted channel before taking any financial action.
• Be wary of urgent requests for assistance, especially those involving large sums of money.
• Install and update antivirus and anti-malware software on your phone.
• Use strong and unique passwords for all your online accounts.
• Report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

By staying vigilant and adopting necessary precautions, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated phone scams.

By Bliss Anthony