A teenager in Delta State has been uncovered for allegedly hacking into the WhatsApp accounts of popular figures and using them to run a secret digital scheme. The discovery was made after authorities examined a mobile device linked to the student and found suspicious activities.
The suspect reportedly gained unauthorized access to multiple accounts and posed as celebrities to appear convincing. Using these identities, the teenager allegedly interacted with contacts and built trust before carrying out the illegal operation.
Findings showed that the student was distributing explicit materials to classmates and collecting payments in return. Messages recovered from the device indicated that several students were actively requesting and purchasing the content.
Further investigation revealed that the phone contained a large number of inappropriate files and several foreign contacts, suggesting the activity may have extended beyond just one school. Authorities believe the operation may have been ongoing for some time before it was exposed.
The case reportedly came to light after inconsistencies surrounding the phone raised suspicion, prompting a deeper search that uncovered the full extent of the activities.
Officials also suspect that the compromised accounts may have been used to solicit money from unsuspecting individuals, expanding the scheme beyond content distribution.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the rise of cybercrime among young people and the ease with which digital platforms can be exploited for illegal purposes.
Experts have warned that impersonation of public figures makes online scams more difficult to detect, especially when victims believe they are interacting with verified personalities.
Parents and school authorities have been advised to pay closer attention to students’ online activities, as early exposure to such behaviour can lead to more serious consequences.
Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to identify the full scale of the operation and any possible accomplices involved.