The Rivers State Police Command has issued a warning to women against the growing practice of collecting transport fare from men for planned meetings but failing to show up, stressing that such conduct amounts to fraud.
The warning came after a viral video of the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday. In the clip, she explained that the act is punishable under Nigerian law as it falls within the category of obtaining money under false pretence.
“Why would you collect money from a man and refuse to meet him? It is an offence — a punishable offence. It is obtaining money under false pretence, also known as 419,” Iringe-Koko stated.
She added that offenders could face arrest and prosecution once victims report such cases to the police.
The police spokesperson further advised the public to refrain from fraudulent and deceitful financial dealings, warning that the Command would not hesitate to take action against perpetrators.
