The Rivers State Police Command has cautioned women against the practice of collecting transport fare from men for dates and failing to appear, describing the act as a criminal offence that could lead to prosecution.
The warning was issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, in a video that circulated on X on Wednesday, September 3.
She explained that taking money under such a pretence falls within the offence of fraud and is punishable under Nigerian law.
Why will you collect money from a man without going to see him? It is an offence, a punishable offence. It is obtaining money under false pretence. 419,” Iringe-Koko said in the clip.
She stated that if such complaints are formally lodged with the police, the accused persons could be arrested and prosecuted for obtaining by false pretence.
The officer reminded the public that fraud does not only occur in large-scale financial crimes but also in everyday dealings where deceit is involved.
Nigerians react to the Policewoman’s warning
The statement has sparked conversations online, with many Nigerians debating the implications of the police’s stance.
Some social media users argued that the caution would discourage dishonest practices, while others questioned how such cases could be effectively investigated or proven in court.
