The spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, has issued a stern warning to women who collect transport fare from men under false pretenses — without any intention of meeting them.

In a viral video circulating on social media, SP Iringe-Koko stated that such actions are not just unethical, but legally punishable, describing it as a case of “obtaining money under false pretence” — commonly referred to as 419 under Nigerian law.

“Why would you collect transport fare from a man and not go to see him? It is a punishable offence. That’s obtaining under false pretence — 419,” she said in the video.

Public Reaction and Legal Basis

Her statement has sparked widespread conversation online, particularly among men who applauded the police officer for highlighting what they see as a common but often overlooked form of deception.

Under Nigerian law, Section 419 of the Criminal Code Act criminalizes obtaining money or property through false pretenses. The offence carries penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity and intent.

While some have taken the statement lightly or viewed it as humorous social commentary, legal experts say there’s truth to the warning: deceiving someone into giving you money under false pretenses — even something as seemingly minor as “transport fare” — could meet the threshold for fraud if the intention to deceive is clear and provable.

Online Debate

The video has divided opinions on social media, with some users praising SP Iringe-Koko for addressing what they consider to be a growing trend of online and offline dating scams. Others, however, argue that the statement could oversimplify a nuanced social interaction and may not always warrant police involvement.

Still, the message is clear: If you request money under the guise of meeting someone — and never intend to — you could be held legally accountable.

Bottom Line

Whether intended as a cautionary note or a broader warning about online ethics and accountability, SP Grace Iringe-Koko’s message serves as a reminder: fraud isn’t always about large sums or elaborate scams — even seemingly minor acts of deception can have legal consequences.