The Delta State Police Command has arrested seven suspects specialised in defrauding unsuspecting victims under the guise of seeking directions.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Edafe Bright, disclosed this in a post on X.com on Tuesday, explaining how the syndicate approaches their targets, hypnotises them, and makes away with their 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 an accompanying video, Edafe further explained: “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.”
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During interrogation, one of the suspects described the operation as a “419 business” that requires three players, codenamed Cashama, Jejeti, and Citama, each with specific roles in deceiving and fleecing victims. Another suspect confessed that the gang had realised about ₦2.7 million through the scheme from five separate victims.
One of the victims, identified as Fullness, said he was approached by a man pretending to be lost and asking for directions. Out of pity, he agreed to assist. On entering their vehicle, he claimed 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, said the gang dispossessed him of jewellery and gadgets worth over ₦7 million.
SP Edafe assured that the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations, while advising the public to be vigilant and avoid falling prey to criminals using deceptive tactics.
