The Niger State Police Command has arrested an 18-year-old man, Victor Ugwu, for allegedly disguising as a woman on social media to defraud unsuspecting victims.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, the suspect, who resides on Easy Life Street along Kaduna Road, was arrested on October 16, 2025, by a patrol team attached to the Maje Division.
Abiodun explained that officers intercepted Ugwu during a public argument with a resident identified as Peter.
During questioning, Peter alleged that he had asked Ugwu to introduce him to one of his female friends last year.
Instead, Ugwu allegedly dressed as a woman, took photographs of himself, and sent them to Peter via social media, demanding money.
“Surprisingly, Victor chose to dress like a lady, took self-pictures, and forwarded them to Peter through social media, requesting money,” the statement read.
A search conducted in the suspect’s residence led to the recovery of a wig and female clothing, believed to have been used to perpetrate the scam.
During interrogation, Ugwu reportedly confessed to sharing the pictures with several contacts on Facebook and TikTok as part of a broader dating scam.
He also admitted that he hoped to gain online followers and monetisation through the deceptive posts.
“The suspect confessed that he shared the pictures on Facebook and TikTok for a dating scam and to attract one thousand viewers and followers for monetisation. The case is under investigation,” Abiodun added.
The police spokesperson cautioned the public to remain vigilant against online fraudsters who exploit social media to manipulate victims and extort money.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation on the same day, officers of the Niger State Police Command recovered a stolen vehicle along Kaduna Road.