Information reaching Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) has it that an Akwa Ibom-based man, identified as Utibe Eteffia, has taken his life after falling victim to suspected cyber fraudsters.
The swindlers cleared out the victim’s account to the tune of N2.5 million, resulting in his decision to ingest a poisonous substance that ended his life.
A neighbour, who identified herself simply as ‘Eka Baby’, told reporters that the man lived on Akpakoruk Street in the Atan Ofot area of Uyo and operated a Point of Sale (PoS) business nearby.
Prior to his death on Friday, Eteffia had reportedly been posting his obituary on social media with the picture of a lit candle, which prompted reactions from his audience and friends.
One of his posts, “Do you believe in reincarnation?” had sparked concern.
Eteffia, who owned an expensive iPhone, had given it to his sister along with the PIN code of his ATM card, according to neighbors.
They disclosed that he had become reclusive in the days leading up to his death, posting countdowns on social media without explaining the reason behind his actions.
“Sometime, he would remain in his house crying. Some nights he would make calls to people till even 4am,” Aniefiok Isang, a customer and neighbor, recalled.
Another neighbor, Ubong Idem, revealed that Eteffia had attempted to purchase rat poison a week before his death, claiming it was to clear rodents from his house.
He later bought a poisonous substance from a nearby chemist shop and took his life in his village.
Eteffia, who hailed from Ini local government area, lost both parents at a young age and was raised by his aunt.
He received financial assistance from family and friends to start his PoS business.
However, he got involved with fraudsters on social media and ended up being duped.
According to a family source, Eteffia consumed the poisonous substance at night after the occupants of the house had slept.
His lifeless body was discovered on the balcony, shocking the family. They have refused to bury him until they understand the reasons behind his decision to end his life.
