A heartbreaking tragedy has struck Uyo, Akwa Ibom, as a young man, Utibe Eteffia, ended his life after allegedly being scammed out of N2.5 million by cyber fraudsters, commonly known as “Yahoo Plus” boys.
Sources revealed that Eteffia, a Point of Sale (PoS) operator based along Akpakoruk Street at Atan Ofot, had recently fallen victim to an online scam that drained his savings.
Before his untimely death, he had reportedly been sharing disturbing posts on social media, including his own obituary image and cryptic captions like “Do you believe in reincarnation?”—a sign many of his followers misread as mere online banter.
“He started acting withdrawn,” said Eka Baby, a neighbour. “He gave his iPhone to his sister and handed over his ATM PIN. That’s when we knew something was wrong.”
Eteffia was also reported to have asked around for rat poison, which he later purchased from a local chemist before traveling to his hometown in Ini Local Government Area.
It was there that he consumed the substance while everyone in the household was asleep. His lifeless body was found the next morning on the balcony, shocking his family and community.
“He cried alone most nights and made calls till the early hours,” said another neighbour, Aniefiok Isang. “One week before he died, he asked if I had rat poison. I never imagined it was for this.”
Raised by his aunt after losing both parents early in life, Eteffia had managed to finish secondary school with the support of loved ones and later set up his PoS business.
Struggling to grow his finances, he reportedly got involved with suspected internet fraudsters who lured him into their cult-like operations. Unfortunately, the promise of wealth turned to betrayal, leaving him financially ruined and emotionally broken.
A family member confirmed the suicide, adding that burial arrangements would be delayed until the family could piece together all the facts surrounding his death.
This tragic incident sheds light on the growing mental health crisis and the dark world of online scams that continue to claim innocent lives in Nigeria.
Let’s raise awareness and educate others about the dangers of online fraud and the importance of mental health support.
If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t stay silent—speak up and seek help.
Too bad all these fraudsters should know that karma is real o 😭.