The Rivers State police command, through its public relations officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, has warned women to refrain from the trending habits of collecting transport fare from men and deliberately refusing to show up.
In a video making rounds on social media, Iringe-Koko described it as a criminal offence commonly referred to as “419” and added that it is punishable under Nigerian law.
The police PRO said, “Why would you collect money from a man and refuse to honour the meeting? That is a crime. It’s punishable by law.
“It amounts to obtaining money under false pretence. It becomes fraudulent once you take transport fare from someone with the promise of showing up, and you fail to do so. If a complaint is made, the police have every right to arrest and prosecute such offenders.
“Fraud is not only about big scams running into millions. Even small acts of deception like this fall under the law. People must understand that the law does not excuse dishonesty simply because the amount involved seems small.
“Honesty should guide all relationships, whether personal or financial. Deceit, no matter how small, can land anyone in serious legal trouble.”
Reacting to this, a Port Harcourt resident, Chijioke Eze said, “I think the police are right. Many young men have been complaining about being defrauded in this way. If the law is applied, it will serve as a deterrent.”
Court fines lady N450,000 for not showing up after collecting N30,000
Recall that a few weeks ago, a magistrate court in Lagos fined a young lady identified as Jennifer N450,000 after being found guilty of obtaining money under false pretence.
According to the report, she collected N30, 000 from a man identified as Emmanuel. He sent Jennifer the money in anticipation of her visiting him.
However, after receiving the money, she failed to show up and later cut off all means of communication with him.
Read More: Youths beats Police officer in Rivers steal cash — Police report
