Two Canadian sisters are being detained in Nigeria, facing accusations of extortion.

Judging from their lifestyle blog and Instagram accounts, Jyoti and Kiran Matharoo have spent many years living a glamorous life, wearing various designer clothes, flying on private jets, vacationing in London or Paris, sitting court-side at Toronto Raptors games at the Air Canada Centre or attending a polo match in Lagos, Nigeria.

But last week, the sisters were arrested and detained in Lagos, accused of extortion in connection to a website that allegedly published mnay personal details of notable Nigerians, according to local news outlets that posted photos of what appear to be court documents.

Politics Nigeria reported that the Matharoo sisters are accused of attempting to blackmail oil tycoon Femi Otedola, who according to Forbes is one of the richest billionaires in Africa this year. The 54-year-old Nigerian businessman is chairman of Forte Oil Plc, an importer of fuel products, and the founder of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd. He also owns many other businesses involved in shipping, real estate and finance.

The case is reportedly set to resume next month, though we are not sure whether the two had been released on bail. Salem Moussallam, a Toronto stylist and model who said he is friends with the Matharoos, told Global News that the sisters contacted him.

“They’re saying, ‘We’re all right. We’re fine. We’ll come and see you — back soon. We’re going to be going to Vegas.’”

The two have an extensive social media following. Kiran has 15,000 followers on Instagram; Jyoti, who also appears to go by Taranjot, has 36,000

 

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