“Accepting transport money from a man without meeting him can land you in jail for 7 years” – Police warns

The Rivers State Police Command has issued a strong warning to the public, particularly addressing a growing trend where individuals accept money for transport or other logistical purposes from someone they have not met in person, then fail to honor the agreement.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Rivers State, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, this act is not just a breach of trust but a criminal offense that could lead to imprisonment. She clarified that such conduct falls under the ambit of “obtaining money under false pretense,” a crime commonly known as “419” in Nigeria.

Individuals found guilty of this offense could face arrest and imprisonment, according to the PPRO. Depending on the severity and value involved, the penalty could be up to three years in prison, with potentially higher terms (up to seven years or even higher in some interpretations) for larger sums.

SP Iringe-Koko urged women, in particular, to desist from such dishonest financial dealings to avoid facing serious legal consequences.

This warning outlines the Police Command’s stance on addressing deceptive practices in financial interactions, emphasizing that promises made in exchange for funds are legally binding and must be honored to avoid criminal prosecution.