YRC National Coordinator, Michael Lenin Raises Alarm, Says His Phone With Police IRT Is Being Used To Defraud Nigerians
In a troubling revelation, Adaramoye Michael Lenin, the National Coordinator of the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), has raised concerns over his mobile devices being deceptively used by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigeria Police Force. Lenin alerts the public that his phone, confiscated by the police, is now being employed in fraudulent activities targeting Nigerians, primarily those listed in his contacts.
Lenin, amidst ongoing trials linked to the #EndBadGovernance protests, has vocally demanded an immediate investigation following these disturbing events. He reports that his phone and laptop have remained in police possession since his initial arrest, trial proceedings, and detention, even after the investigation phase has supposedly concluded.
Sharing his unsettling experience, Lenin recounted that the last time he retained possession of his phone was when police officers from the IRT had it, failing to return it to the officers at the correctional facility. Upon his release from prison on October 3rd, friends notified him that, suspiciously, his WhatsApp account had been reactivated.
“I have been informed of alarming fraudulent activities arising from the unauthorized use of my phone by the police IRT. This dubious engagement poses risks to innocent contacts, using my identity for deceitful schemes,” Lenin explained.
“After returning from detention, I was surprised to find my WhatsApp had been reactivated, although the phone was still in IRT’s custody. This aligns with reports from contacts almost falling prey to these scams, as an impersonator, posing as ‘Michael,’ attempted to solicit money under false pretexts,” he warned.
An individual fraudulently contacted one of Lenin’s acquaintances, impersonating him through a number linked to ‘Abbey security,’ trying to trick her into transferring money to an Opay account under a different name and number. Lenin suspects this impersonation may involve a security agent, raising concerns due to the Truecaller identity linked to policing figures.
The wrongful appropriation of Lenin’s devices by the IRT reflects worrying misconduct by those tasked with upholding the law. Such actions undermine public trust and highlight systemic corruption within some factions of the police force, as these agents allegedly misuse confiscated devices for personal gain.
“These actions don’t just violate my privacy but also place unsuspecting civilians at risk of fraud and emotional distress. It’s imperative that such devices, which together are worth significant sums, be returned promptly,” Lenin asserted.
Advocating for awareness and corrective measures, Lenin calls upon civil society, digital rights groups, and the judiciary to confront these systemic abuses and protect activists from further exploitation through illicit use of their devices.
“The invasion of my privacy and the potential harm to others due to fraudulent tactics necessitates immediate and thorough investigation as well as restitution,” he emphasized.
This alarming misuse of authority not only violates Lenin’s personal rights but endangers public safety, emphasizing a need for urgent intervention to prevent reoccurrence and protect citizens from similar deceitful practices.
The pursuit for justice and the safeguarding of civil liberties remain integral in ensuring the dignity and rights of activists and the general populace are respected and upheld. Now, more than ever, vigilance and accountability from law enforcement are crucial.
