The Delta State Police Command has apprehended seven individuals suspected of defrauding unsuspecting victims by pretending to seek directions.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Edafe Bright, revealed this in a post on X.com on Tuesday, detailing how the syndicate lures victims, hypnotises them, and escapes with money and valuables.
He wrote, “Have you ever come across people who pretend like they are looking for direction? 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.”
In the accompanying video, Edafe added, “We’ve been hearing of this syndicate that usually acts in the guise of looking for direction and eventually manages to hypnotise their victims, lure them, collect their money, phones and even their jewellery. It is no longer a fairy tale because today we have about seven suspects who are very good at that, but the hands of the law have finally caught up with them.”
One of the suspects described the scheme as a “419 business” involving three roles known as Cashama, Jejeti, and Citama. He explained how the gang operated and the function of each member in the fraud.
Another suspect disclosed that the group made about ₦2.7 million from five victims using this tactic.
A victim identified as Fullness shared his ordeal, saying he was approached by a man who appeared lost and, out of pity, offered assistance. After entering their vehicle, he said he lost awareness and was later defrauded of ₦2.5 million in cash, a phone worth ₦1.6 million, and another valued at ₦400,000.
Another victim, Daniel, recounted how the gang stole jewellery and gadgets worth over ₦7 million from him.