A 30-year-old man, Joseph Efe, who was arrested for stealing from a commercial sex worker, said he committed the crime to raise money for his sister who has sickle cell anemia.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, briefing journalists yesterday, said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday at the Top View Hotel in Abuja.

Efe, during his confession before newsmen, said he met the victim on a “hookup site” before inviting her to the said location. 

The suspect said he tied the victim to prevent her from getting help as he exited the hotel after stealing from her.

“I tied her so that she would not run after me as I fled. I told her to take off her clothes so that even if she is able to untie herself, before she puts on her clothes, I would be long gone,” Efe said.

He added that prior to his arrest he had stolen from four victims in Port Harcourt, Lagos and Abuja. 

Narrating her ordeal, the woman (name withheld) said she had been on the hookup site called “coded site”.

She said: “I met the suspect some months ago. I live in Enugu but visit Abuja for other business reasons.

“When I got to the hotel, the suspect asked me whether I feared death. 

“He said if I cooperate with him, he would not hurt me like other girls. He said his friend was outside, and if I made any wrong move, he would inject me with something.

“I pleaded with him. He slapped me and asked me to strip my clothes. I tried to get to the door but it was locked by him and he held the keys.”

She alleged that he used her dress to tie her hands, but when it was not tight enough, he took out a cellophane tape.

“He turned the television volume very high and blocked my mouth with a handkerchief,” she said.

She further said that he stole her phone, unlocked it with her thumb, asked for her bank app details then realised she had no money in the account.

“He warned me not to make noise, that he was stepping out, then locked me in the room. 

“I later noticed a movement outside the door and saw the colour of the uniform the person wore was that of the hotel staff.

“I struggled and dragged myself to the window then started banging it. Luckily, the guy heard me and I immediately gave him a sign to run after the person that just left the room. He did and he was caught.”

According to the NSCDC FCT Commandant it was in the process of the suspect trying to escape from the hotel premises that his movement became suspicious, and in the process of trying to stop him, he took to his heels before he was chased and caught by NSCDC operatives. 

Odumosu said that the video circulated on social media of the lady and the victim in the hotel room was not recorded by NSCDC operatives.

“Let it be made clear that the video in circulation on this incident was not shot by the operatives of the NSCDC, as we only became aware of its existence when it went viral on social media,” he said.

He added that after preliminary investigation, both suspect and victim would be handed over to the relevant agency for further necessary actions and investigation. 

“We are duty bound and empowered to do due diligence before taking necessary steps towards prosecuting or handing over a suspect as the case may be to any relevant sister agency,” he said.

The commandant warned hotel operators to be more vigilant and should do better in protecting their guests.

“Ensure your hotel facilities and premises are not used as a place to perpetuate crime. 

“Let me also caution all young ladies also known as ‘runs girls’ to desist from such acts that will endanger their lives but rather engage in legitimate businesses to earn a living,” he said.

In another development, he said that four alleged vandals were arrested in the territory for theft and vandalising public infrastructure.