Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a 35-year-old woman, Modupeola Bamisade, over allegations of running a large-scale online fraud that reportedly cost more than 100 victims over N500 million.
Police sources said the suspect allegedly posed as an online dealer in Apple products, including iPhones and iPads, which she advertised on social media at heavily discounted prices to attract buyers. Investigators said she relied on social media influencers to promote the purported sales, promising discounts of up to 50 per cent on popular gadgets.
According to the police, many customers who paid for the devices never received them. The suspect allegedly delayed deliveries with repeated excuses and, in several cases, failed to fulfil orders entirely.
A source within the command said preliminary investigations revealed that Bamisade had operated the scheme for some time, using influencers to reach a wide audience and build credibility. During interrogation, she reportedly admitted to leveraging influencers to market the gadgets.
Another source familiar with the investigation disclosed that the suspect’s arrest followed a complaint by one of the influencers involved, who became concerned after receiving multiple complaints from buyers claiming they had been defrauded. The influencer subsequently reported the matter to the police, leading to Bamisade’s arrest.
Following her arrest, several alleged victims reportedly visited the police command to identify the suspect and give statements. One victim said she paid N1 million for an iPhone that was never delivered, despite repeated assurances. She claimed the suspect even arranged a call from someone posing as a dispatch rider, but the device was never supplied.
Police authorities said investigations are ongoing, while efforts are being made to identify other victims and recover the alleged proceeds of the fraud.