Metro
Viral social media challenge: Nigerian teenager loses life attempting challenge
A 13-year-old boy, Nnamdi Glenn Ohaeri Jr., has reportedly died after attempting a dangerous social media challenge similar to past trends that have claimed multiple young lives.
The teenager was found unresponsive in his bedroom in Murrieta on the morning of February 3, just a day after watching the Grammy Awards with his family.
His mother immediately performed CPR while his father, Nnamdi Ohaeri Sr., sought help from a neighbor and called emergency services. Despite their efforts, the boy was later pronounced dead.
While initial signs pointed to a possible su!cide, his parents were unconvinced and began their own investigation. They soon discovered that their son may have been influenced by a hazardous social media challenge that dares participants to render themselves unconscious. The trend, similar to the infamous “Blackout Challenge,” has been linked to several deaths in recent years, raising concerns among parents and authorities.
Ohaeri Jr. did not have social media accounts, and his phone was equipped with strict parental controls, leading his parents to suspect he learned about the challenge from classmates or friends.
The grieving family now hopes their son’s story will serve as a warning to other parents. They urge families to be vigilant about the content and trends their children may be exposed to, whether online or through peer influence.
Ohaeri Sr. reflected on the tragedy, acknowledging that while he had educated his sons about the dangers of drugs, he had not considered the risks of social media challenges.
“We don’t talk about not following social media trends or playing social media games,” he said. “And maybe we need to.”
As they struggle with grief and unanswered questions, the family hopes their devastating experience will encourage more parents to have open conversations with their children about the hidden dangers of social media and peer pressure.
Authorities have not yet released an official cause of death, and it remains unclear whether the incident is being investigated as a su!cide or an accident. The Murrieta Police Department has not provided further details on the case.
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Abuja Zonal Directorate, on Monday, arrested 59 suspected internet fraudsters.
The suspects were arrested at Abacha Road, Mararaba axis of Nasarawa State, following credible intelligence about their suspected involvement in fraudulent internet activities.
Items recovered from them include 73 phones of different brands.
When contacted, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development.
Oyewole added that the suspects will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
Two residents of Okpekpe community in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, identified as Batemue Ebo and Christopher Bello were killed, yesterday by suspected herders.
They were said to have been killed while in their farms.
The deaths were confirmed by both the community’s traditional ruler, Onwuweko of Okpekpe, HRH Peter Osigbemeh and the suspended chairman of the council, Benedicta Atoh.
The royal father on the phone said the policemen were already on the ground in the town to maintain peace and described the situation as bad but urged his people to remain calm as the police would fish out the killers.
Meanwhile, Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has condemned the attack on the people of Okpekpe community in Etsako East Local Government Area of the state by gunmen, leading to the gruesome murder of two farmers.
In a statement by Chris Nehikhare, Publicity Secretary of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, the party expressed disappointment over the killing of Batemue Philip Ebo and Christopher Bello.
It was gathered that Ebo and Bello were attacked and killed on their way to their farms.
The statement read: “We are deeply saddened by the heinous attack on the people of Okpekpe community in Etsako East Local Government Area of the state by suspected herdsmen, which led to the gruesome murder of two innocent citizens
“We condemn this dastardly act in the strongest terms and send our heartfelt condolences to their families, loved ones, and the entire community during this difficult time
The party urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to take urgent and decisive steps to check the situation before it degenerates out of control.
The Police Command in Lagos State has detained a 23-year-old man for prosecution for allegedly beating his girlfriend to death.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident to newsmen on Monday in Lagos.
He said that the suspect committed the offence on Friday at about 8:00 p.m. at Ijedodo, Isheri-Osun area of the state.
Hundeyin said that a neighbour reported the incident at Isheri-Osun Police Divisional Station.
“The neighbour said that he saw the suspect beating his girlfriend in his room for a reason yet to be determined.
“He said few minutes later, the suspect screamed for help and getting to his apartment, he met his girlfriend lying unconscious on the bed with visible marks of violence found on her body.
“The girl was immediately rushed to the hospital in Ijegun, where she was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty,” Hundeyin said.
The spokesperson said detectives were immediately dispatched to the alleged murder scene as well as the hospital where the corpse was inspected and photographed.
The image maker said that the corpse had been deposited at a morgue in Yaba for autopsy while the suspect had been detained for questioning, adding that investigation was in progress.
(NAN)
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