The Niger State Police Command has apprehended an 18-year-old man for allegedly impersonating a woman online to defraud unsuspecting victims, highlighting the rising cases of social media scams in the state.
The suspect, Victor Ugwu, who resides on Easy Life Street, Kaduna Road, was intercepted on October 16, 2025, by a patrol team from the Maje Division while engaged in a public argument with a local resident, identified as Peter.
Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed the incident in a press release on Sunday.
“On October 16, 2025, at about 6pm, a patrol team attached to Maje Division, while on routine patrol along Kaduna Road, intercepted Victor Ugwu in a public argument with one Peter of the same area,” Abiodun said.
According to the statement, Peter explained to officers that he had previously approached Victor within the past year to link him with a female colleague. Instead of connecting the two, Victor allegedly disguised himself as a woman, took selfies, and sent them to Peter on social media while requesting money.
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“Surprisingly, Victor chose to dress like a lady, took self-pictures, and forwarded them to Peter through social media, requesting money.
“During investigation, a search was conducted in Victor’s house, and a wig and female clothes were recovered,” Abiodun added.
Victor reportedly admitted to sending the photos to multiple contacts on Facebook and TikTok as part of a dating scam, while also seeking to boost his social media followers and views for monetisation.
“He confessed that he shared the pictures to his contacts on Facebook and TikTok for a dating scam, and to also achieve one thousand viewers and followers for monetisation.
“The case is under further investigation,” the police spokesperson stated.
The incident highlights the evolving tactics of cybercriminals in Nigeria, including exploiting social media to manipulate victims and extract money. Authorities have urged residents to verify identities online and refrain from sending money to individuals they have not met in person.
In a related law enforcement operation, the Niger State Police also recovered a stolen vehicle along Kaduna Road on the same day.
Abiodun said that a report was received at Maje Division regarding a white Golf car with registration number RSH 442 FD, which had been stolen from Hayin-Kaduna.
“The police patrol team mobilised and searched along Maje-Dikko Junction to Kaduna Road. Fortunately, the vehicle was found abandoned and recovered to the police station.
“The complainant confirmed it as the stolen vehicle. Investigation is ongoing to identify the perpetrator,” he concluded.
The Niger State Police Command reiterated its warning to residents to remain vigilant, particularly on social media, and assured that individuals involved in fraudulent activities would face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.