The Lagos State Police Command has arrested Modupeola Bamisade, a 35-year-old woman, for allegedly scamming over 100 unsuspecting victims of more than N500 million via an online gadget scam.
Chronicle NG discovered that the suspect specialized in the selling of iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices, which she promoted at a 50% discount to entice buyers online.
A police source told our correspondent on Wednesday that Bamisade utilized social media influencers to promote her alleged transactions, enticing consumers who paid for the gadgets but never received them.
The police claimed that the suspect then used various excuses to delay or entirely avoid delivery.
“We have a suspect, a lady aged 35. She is an online vendor who claims to sell iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products.
“She usually goes online with the help of influencers to advertise massive sales, offering about a 50 percent discount.
“She has been doing this for some time now and was able to dupe over 100 innocent individuals to the tune of over N500m.
“During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted to using influencers to reach her victims.”
She stated that she was able to get her clients online through influencers who advertise for her and bring customers,” the source said.
Another police source familiar with the situation stated that her detention was the result of a report by one of the influencers, who got suspicious after receiving consumer complaints.
“One of the influencers reported her to the police, and she was subsequently arrested,” the officer said.
According to the source, the victims went to the command to identify her after discovering she had been arrested.
“One of the victims said she paid one million naira to her, and after making the payment, the suspect claimed the phone had arrived and would soon be delivered.
“But she kept telling her different stories. She said at one point, someone called her, pretending to be a rider, but nobody showed up,” the source added.
