Abroad-based Nigerian Man Alleges Death Threats over Late Mother’s Indebtedness

A Nigerian man resident in Canada, Chidiebere Israel Arum, recently raised the alarm over death threats he said to have received from different individuals demanding repayment of an alleged debt owed by his late mother.

The young man, who spoke during a phone interview, with THISDAY, disclosed the threats have made it unsafe for him to return to Nigeria.

Arum added that the calls began shortly after his mother, Mrs. Mary Arum, died on February 11, 2021.
He said the callers alleged that the deceased borrowed a large sum of money to fund his international education and insisted he must repay it.

“After my mother passed away on February 11, 2021, I started to receive numerous threatening calls from people who claimed that my mother allegedly owed them a huge sum of money on my behalf, which she used to pay for my international school fees,” he said.

He added that the callers warned that his life would be in danger if he returned to Nigeria without settling the alleged debt.

“They frequently called me, threatening to kill me whenever or wherever they saw me. I was shocked because I didn’t know anything about my mother owing anyone money,” Arum stated.

The abroad-based Nigerian stated in the interview that the situation has left him confused and emotionally distressed.

“This development has adversely affected my mental health, and I am seeking help from the government and godly individuals to come to my rescue,” he said.

Arum disclosed that before leaving Nigeria he lived in Oyigbo, Rivers State, but said he could not confirm the identities or locations of the callers.

“I believe that these people are powerful because of how confident they sound whenever they call. They promised to manhandle me if I set foot into Nigeria,” he added.

He said he later informed some family members, who reportedly escalated the matter to the Rivers State Police Command.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Nnamdi Omoni, said the police would look into the complaint and take necessary action.

The police spokesperson assured that the Command would work to identify those behind the threats and bring them to justice.