“Collecting Transport Fare and Failing to Show Up Is Obtaining Money Under False Pretence” — Rivers Police Warn Young Women

The Rivers State Police Command has warned members of the public, especially young women, against collecting transport fare from suitors or acquaintances and failing to appear for an agreed meeting, stating that the act amounts to a criminal offence.

The warning was issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, via a post on her official X (formerly Twitter) account.

According to SP Iringe-Koko, taking money under the guise of attending a meeting or outing and deliberately failing to show up constitutes obtaining money under false pretence, an offence classified under Nigerian law as fraud, commonly known as “419.”

She explained that such actions are punishable if a complaint is formally reported to the police.

“Collecting transport fare from a guy and refusing to show up is obtaining money under false pretence,” she stated. “It is an offence punishable under the law.”

The statement has generated widespread reactions online, with social media users debating both the legal basis and the social context of such transactions. While some supported the police position as a necessary clarification, others questioned how such cases would be enforced and raised concerns about broader relationship dynamics.

The police spokesperson stressed that informal or casual interactions do not exempt individuals from legal responsibility, noting that financial dealings, regardless of scale, must be conducted honestly.

She urged members of the public to act responsibly in their personal and financial interactions, adding that the police would take action on any credible report of fraud.

The Rivers State Police Command reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law and protecting citizens from fraudulent practices, irrespective of how minor they may appear.