Police Warn Young Women Against Taking Transport Fare And Failing To Show Up, Call It Punishable Offence
Police Warn Young Women Against Taking Transport Fare And Failing To Show Up, Call It Punishable Offence
According to SP Iringe-Koko, collecting money under the pretext of attending a meeting or outing and deliberately failing to show up constitutes obtaining money under false pretence, an offence commonly referred to as “419.”
The Rivers State Police Command has warned members of the public, particularly young women, against collecting transport fare from suitors or acquaintances without showing up for the agreed meeting, describing the act as a criminal offence punishable under the law.
The warning was issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Rivers State Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, in a post shared on her official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
According to SP Iringe-Koko, collecting money under the pretext of attending a meeting or outing and deliberately failing to show up constitutes obtaining money under false pretence, an offence commonly referred to as “419.”
She emphasized that such actions fall within the provisions of Nigerian criminal law and could attract legal consequences if reported.
“Collecting transport fare from a guy and refusing to show up is obtaining money under false pretence,” the police spokesperson stated. “It is an offence punishable under the law.”
The statement has since sparked widespread reactions on social media, with users debating the legal and moral implications of the practice, which is often trivialized online.
While some welcomed the clarification as a deterrent against deceit, others questioned enforcement and the broader social dynamics surrounding such transactions.
SP Iringe-Koko’s warning serves as a reminder that seemingly casual online or interpersonal actions can have legal consequences.
She urged members of the public to conduct their relationships and financial dealings honestly and responsibly, noting that the police will not hesitate to act on credible complaints.
The Rivers State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the law and protecting citizens from all forms of fraud, regardless of how minor they may appear.
