18-Year-Old Boy Arrested in Niger State for Disguising as Woman Online to Defraud Friend
Police in Niger State have arrested 18-year-old Victor Ugwu for allegedly posing as a woman to defraud his friend online.
Officers also apprehended three suspected phone snatchers operating around Kure Market in Minna.
The Niger State Police Command has arrested an 18-year-old, identified as Victor Ugwu, for allegedly engaging in a dating scam and obtaining money under false pretense.
In a statement released on Sunday, October 19, 2025, the command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the suspect disguised as a woman to deceive his friend, Peter, and extort money from him.
According to the police, Peter had asked Victor to introduce him to one of his female colleagues. However, instead of making the introduction, Victor reportedly dressed as a woman, took pictures of himself, and sent them to Peter on social media while pretending to be the lady in question. He then requested money from him.
Abiodun explained that officers attached to Maje Division intercepted both men during an argument along Kaduna Road in Minna. During questioning, Peter narrated how Victor had tricked him. A search of Victor’s residence led to the recovery of a wig and female clothing used in the deception.
The suspect allegedly confessed to sharing the fake photos on Facebook and TikTok to carry out dating scams and to increase his social media views for monetization. Police said the case remains under investigation.
In a separate operation, the command also arrested three suspected phone snatchers and robbers in Minna.
According to Abiodun, police received a distress call from Kure Market on October 12, 2025, reporting that a group of miscreants operating in an unregistered tricycle had been snatching phones from unsuspecting residents.
Police patrol teams from GRA Division swiftly moved to the scene, arrested the suspects identified as Hassan Abdullahi (19), Abubakar Ali (25), and Kalipha Bashiru (21 and rescued them from mob action.
Several victims later visited the station and identified the trio as the same individuals responsible for multiple phone thefts and violent incidents around the market area.
The suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
