The Rivers State Police Command has cautioned young women that collecting transport fare from men without keeping appointments amounts to a criminal offence.
Police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, gave the warning in a video posted on her Facebook page, stressing that such behaviour could attract arrest and prosecution under Section 419 of the Criminal Code.
“Why would you collect a transport fare from a man without going to see him? It is an offence. A punishable offence is obtaining money under false pretence, 419. I’m here to give you this piece of information because I’m your number one bestie,” she said.
Iringe-Koko explained that offenders could face imprisonment of up to three years if reported and found guilty, as the practice constitutes “obtaining money by false pretence.”
She further advised women to desist from dishonest financial dealings, warning that what may appear to be a harmless act could result in serious legal consequences.
Section 419 of the Criminal Code criminalises obtaining money or property through deception, an offence popularly referred to in Nigeria as “419 fraud.”
