Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a 35-year-old woman, Modupeola Bamisade, for allegedly defrauding over 100 unsuspecting victims of more than N500m through an online gadget scam.
It was learnt that the suspect specialised in the sale of iPhones, iPads and other Apple products, which she advertised at a 50 per cent discount to lure customers online, reports The PUNCH.
A police source, who spoke to our correspondent on Wednesday, said Bamisade used social media influencers to promote her supposed sales, attracting buyers who paid for the gadgets but never received them.
The police alleged that the suspect thereafter resorted to giving several excuses to delay or completely 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 per cent 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 said she was able to get her clients online through influencers who advertise for her and bring customers,” the source said.
Another police source privy to the incident said her arrest followed a report by one of the influencers who became suspicious after complaints from customers.
“One of the influencers reported her to the police, and she was subsequently arrested,” the cop disclosed.
The source also noted that the victims visited the command to identify her, having learnt that she was 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.
Some online vendors often perpetrate fraud by offering unusually cheap gadgets, as unsuspecting buyers fall for it.
This is despite security operatives repeatedly advising members of the public to verify sellers before making payments.
It was earlier reported in October 2025 that the Ogun State Police Command cautioned residents against the increasing cases of online fraud, including fake dating platforms, travel and visa scams, and other deceptive schemes designed to defraud unsuspecting victims.
