…case of WhatsApp account hacking came to light after officers conducted a routine check on a student’s mobile phone.
WARRI, NIGERIA — The iNews Times reports that a disturbing case of WhatsApp account hacking has emerged in Delta State, where police uncovered how a 17-year-old boy allegedly broke into celebrities’ WhatsApp accounts and sold explicit materials to fellow students.
The Delta State Police Command disclosed the details during a security awareness programme aimed at educating parents and students on the rising threat of cybercrime among young people.
The Divisional Police Officer of Ugborikoko Division in Uvwie Local Government Area, Temi Agbede-Zuokumor, revealed the development in a video shared on Friday. She spoke during an interactive session with popular Nigerian comedian Otaghware Onodjayeke, widely known as I Go Save.
How the WhatsApp Account Hacking Case Was Discovered
According to the DPO, the case of WhatsApp account hacking came to light after officers conducted a routine check on a student’s mobile phone, which immediately raised suspicion.
She explained that the boy’s mother initially claimed the device belonged to his sister. However, further inspection by the police suggested otherwise.
Upon examination, officers reportedly discovered more than 80 foreign phone numbers stored on the device, including numerous Australian contacts. Even more alarming, the phone allegedly contained a large volume of explicit materials.
“We saw several foreign numbers, over 80 Australian lines, and the phone was filled with pornographic content,” the DPO stated during the awareness session.
The findings marked the beginning of what investigators described as a deeper WhatsApp account hacking and online exploitation scheme.
Selling Explicit Content to Classmates
Further investigation allegedly revealed that the teenager was not only storing explicit materials but also selling them to classmates within his school.
Police said chat records showed fellow students contacting him to request explicit content, addressing him as “boss” in their conversations.
“We also saw chats with his classmates asking if he had explicit content to sell. They were calling him ‘boss’ in school,” the DPO disclosed.
The development has raised fresh concerns about how WhatsApp account hacking and digital exploitation are increasingly infiltrating school environments, exposing minors to criminal activities at an early age.
Alleged Access to Celebrities’ WhatsApp Accounts
In what appears to be the most shocking dimension of the case, investigators reportedly discovered that the suspect had gained access to WhatsApp accounts belonging to prominent individuals.
According to the police, he allegedly used these compromised accounts to solicit money from unsuspecting victims.
“We discovered he had access to WhatsApp accounts of some celebrities, which he used to demand money from unsuspecting victims,” the DPO said.
Although the police did not publicly disclose the identities of the affected celebrities, the revelation underscores the growing sophistication of WhatsApp account hacking schemes targeting high-profile individuals.
Cybersecurity experts have repeatedly warned that social engineering tactics, phishing links, and SIM swap techniques are increasingly being deployed to hijack social media and messaging platforms.
I Go Save Shares Personal Encounter
During the awareness session, comedian I Go Save shared a personal experience that mirrors the rising trend of online impersonation and WhatsApp account hacking scams.
He recounted how he was once contacted by someone impersonating billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk.
“That was how someone impersonating Elon Musk messaged me, saying he was stranded and needed a recharge card,” the comedian said.
“I was surprised and asked which network he used. The person later sent an Opay account,” he added.
The anecdote drew laughter from the audience but also highlighted the audacity and creativity of online fraudsters who prey on unsuspecting victims.
Police Warn Parents and Schools
The Delta State Police Command used the occasion to warn parents, guardians, and school administrators about the increasing involvement of minors in cyber-related crimes.
Authorities stressed that WhatsApp account hacking and other forms of online fraud are becoming more sophisticated, with young people leveraging technology skills for criminal purposes.
The police urged parents to regularly monitor their children’s digital activities and educate them about the legal and moral consequences of cybercrime.
They also encouraged schools to incorporate digital ethics and cybersecurity awareness into their curricula to prevent similar incidents.
Growing Threat of Youth Cybercrime
The iNews Times understands that cases involving minors in cybercrime are gradually rising across Nigeria, reflecting a broader trend fueled by internet accessibility and social media exposure.
Law enforcement agencies have consistently emphasized that early intervention, parental supervision, and community awareness are critical in curbing the spread of cyber offenses among teenagers.
While investigations into the Delta WhatsApp account hacking case continue, the police have assured the public that appropriate legal procedures will be followed.
The incident serves as a stark reminder that cybercrime is no longer confined to shadowy networks of adult fraudsters but is increasingly penetrating younger demographics.
As digital platforms continue to expand, authorities say vigilance and digital literacy must grow at the same pace.
The iNews Times will continue to track developments in this case and provide credible updates as more details emerge.
