The WhatsApp number of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reportedly been hacked and cloned by an impostor who is using it to carry out fraudulent transactions totaling millions of naira in the governor’s name.
In one instance, the impostor, posing as Governor Eno, requested a close ally of the governor to transfer N7 million to an account on the governor’s behalf, with a promise to refund the money later. The impostor claimed that the governor was currently in the United States on official state business. The official involved, suspecting foul play, alerted key government officials, which prevented the transaction from going through.
The incident was confirmed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary and spokesperson, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, who warned the public about the scam. He stated, “Our attention has been drawn to a carefully orchestrated fraudulent post on some social media platforms, where criminal elements have cloned the WhatsApp number of His Excellency, the governor of Akwa Ibom State, with the intent to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.”
He further urged the public to ignore any messages soliciting funds that appear to come from the governor’s number, as they are not genuine. Mr. Udoh also assured that law enforcement agencies have been alerted and are actively pursuing those responsible for this fraudulent activity.
