201
By Tracy Moses
The Rivers State Police Command has raised concern over the increasing cases of women allegedly receiving transport fare from men for planned outings but deliberately failing to show up, warning that the act constitutes fraud and is punishable under Nigerian law.
The warning followed a viral video posted on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who clarified that such conduct falls within the ambit of obtaining by false pretence, commonly referred to as “419” in local parlance.
“Why would you collect money from a man and refuse to honour the meeting? That is a crime. It is punishable by law,” Iringe-Koko stated in the video shared on X (formerly Twitter).
She further explained: “It amounts to obtaining money under false pretence. Once you take transport fare from someone with the promise of showing up, and you fail to do so, it becomes fraudulent. If a complaint is made, the police have every right to arrest and prosecute such offenders.”
The police spokesperson also used the opportunity to caution women against trivializing the matter. “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 little.”
Observers note that the warning comes amid rising debates on social media over accountability and exploitation in dating culture, where some individuals exploit gestures of goodwill for financial gain.
A Port Harcourt resident, Chijioke Eze, reacting to the development, 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.”
However, another social media user, identified as Gift on X, argued that the issue should not be overblown: “Some men also give transport fare willingly. It’s not always fraud. The police should focus on bigger crimes.”
In her closing remarks, Iringe-Koko urged Nigerians to embrace sincerity in their dealings: “Honesty should guide all relationships, whether personal or financial. Deceit, no matter how small, can land anyone in serious legal trouble.”