MINNA – The Niger State Police Command has arrested an 18-year-old man who allegedly disguised himself as a woman to create fake online profiles and defraud unsuspecting individuals in a dating scam.
The suspect, Victor Ugwu, was apprehended on October 16, 2025, after a public argument with one of his victims tipped off a police patrol team.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command, Wasiu Abiodun, said the suspect was intercepted by a team from the Maje Division along Kaduna Road.
“On October 16, 2025, at about 6:00 p.m., a patrol team attached to Maje Division, while on routine patrol, intercepted Victor Ugwu in a public argument with one Peter of the same area,” Abiodun explained.
According to the police, the victim, Peter, told officers he had asked Ugwu to connect him with a female colleague over a year ago. Instead, Ugwu allegedly created a fake persona.
“Surprisingly, Victor chose to dress like a lady, took self-pictures, and forwarded them to Peter through social media, requesting money,” the statement read.
During investigation, a search was conducted at Ugwu’s residence, where officers recovered a wig and female clothing used in the deception.
Abiodun added that the suspect confessed to the crime, admitting that he shared the pictures with multiple contacts on Facebook and TikTok not only for the dating scam but also to increase his followers and views for social media monetization.
“The case is under further investigation,” the police spokesperson confirmed.
The command has cautioned residents to be vigilant, verify identities online, and avoid sending money to individuals they have not met in person.
Police Recover Stolen Vehicle
In a separate success, the command also announced the recovery of a stolen vehicle on the same day.
PPRO Abiodun stated that a report was received at the Maje Division that a white Golf vehicle with registration number RSH 442 FD was stolen from where it was parked at Hayin-Kaduna.
“The police patrol team mobilized and searched the area. Fortunately, the vehicle was found abandoned along Maje-Dikko Junction and recovered to the station,” he said. The owner has since confirmed the vehicle was his.
An investigation is ongoing to apprehend the perpetrator.
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