The Rivers State Police Command has issued a strong warning to young women, cautioning them that accepting transport money from a man and then failing to meet him could lead to criminal charges.
According to Rivers State Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko, this act is considered “obtaining money under false pretenses,” a crime punishable under Section 419 of the Criminal Code. In a video posted to her social media, Iringe-Koko stated, “Why would you collect a transport fare from a man without going to see him? It is a punishable offense… I’m here to give you this piece of information because I’m your number one bestie.”
This warning follows a widely circulated video featuring a woman named Jennifer who was taken to court by a man, Emmanuel, after she allegedly failed to visit him despite receiving money for her transport.
In the viral clip, Jennifer was shown in court and was reportedly sentenced to seven years in prison, with the option to pay a fine of N450,000 to settle the matter. Jennifer later confirmed she paid the fine to Emmanuel, explaining that he had sent her N50,000.
Jennifer said her dispute with Emmanuel began after they developed an online friendship. Although they had never met in person, Emmanuel insisted she travel from Asaba to Abuja to see him. Jennifer maintained that he should come to her instead.
She explained that despite her reluctance, Emmanuel transferred the money to her account and demanded she visit him the next day. When she ignored the transfer and his messages, she said his friends began threatening her.
Jennifer said she attempted to refund the money, but Emmanuel refused to provide his bank details, at which point the case had already escalated to a legal matter.
The Nigerian Constitution states that obtaining property through false pretenses is a felony. This offense can result in imprisonment for up to three years.
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