Canada-based Nigerian alleges death threats over late mother’s debt

By Sunday Ani

A Nigerian resident in Canada, Chidiebere Israel Arum, has raised the alarm over death threats he claims to be receiving from individuals demanding repayment of an alleged debt owed by his late mother.

Arum, who spoke during a phone interview, said the threats had made it unsafe for him to return to Nigeria.

According to him, 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 receiving 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.

He said the situation had 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 the people are powerful because of how confident they sound whenever they call. They promised to manhandle me if I set foot in 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, Rivers State 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.