The Delta State Police Command has arrested seven suspected fraudsters who specialised in duping unsuspecting residents under the pretence of seeking directions.
Confirming the arrest, the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), SP Edafe Bright, said the suspects had perfected a method of luring victims, hypnotising them, and dispossessing them of cash, mobile phones, and other valuables.
Edafe warned members of the public to be cautious. “Have you ever come across people who pretend to be asking for directions? Have you ever met a victim who they lured and ended up taking all their money, phones and jewellery? Watch till the end to find out their strategy, and please share for others to learn,” he wrote.
In an accompanying video, he added: “We’ve heard about this syndicate for some time, and many doubted it was real. But today, we have seven suspects in custody who have been doing just that. Unfortunately for them, the law has finally caught up with them.”
One of the suspects openly admitted that their activities were a form of “419 business,” usually executed by three members known as Cashama, Jejeti, and Citama. Another confessed that the group had already realised about ₦2.7 million from five victims.
Some victims also shared their harrowing experiences. Daniel, one of them, revealed that the gang collected jewellery and gadgets worth over ₦7 million from him. Another victim, Fullness, said he was tricked into entering the suspects’ vehicle and later discovered he had been defrauded of ₦2.5 million in cash, a phone worth ₦1.6 million, and another valued at ₦400,000.
SP Edafe stressed that investigation is ongoing and that the suspects will be arraigned in court soon. He also urged residents to be wary of strangers who approach them under suspicious circumstances.
