A 37-year-old Lagos man has learned the hard way that crime truly does not pay — after using a fake online dating profile to lure a woman to a hotel, only to make away with her iPhone XS Max. A Lagos court has since handed him a two-year, one-month prison sentence.
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In a city where online dating has become as common as ordering suya on a Friday night, one man decided to weaponize the trend for personal gain — and it cost him his freedom.
The 37-year-old, whose name has been made known to the court, reportedly orchestrated an elaborate scheme using an online dating platform to connect with an unsuspecting woman. After gaining her trust digitally, he convinced her to meet him at a hotel — a move that many Lagosians would recognise as a classic “link up.” However, his intentions were far from romantic.
Once the meeting was arranged, the suspect allegedly stole the woman’s iPhone XS Max — a device that, as any Nigerian tech lover knows, doesn’t come cheap. The victim, likely expecting a pleasant rendezvous, instead found herself counting her losses.
Justice Served — No Stories
The matter was brought before a Lagos court, and the judge was having none of it. The convict was sentenced to two years and one month imprisonment — a verdict that sends a clear message to anyone considering using the internet as a tool for criminal activity.
A Warning for Nigerian Online Daters
This case is a sharp reminder for Nigerians navigating the world of online dating. While platforms like Tinder, Bumble, and various social media apps have made it easier to connect with people, they have also opened doors for bad actors looking to exploit innocent individuals.
Here are a few tips to stay safe:
– Verify before you trust — Take time to confirm who you’re really talking to before agreeing to meet
– Meet in public first — Always choose a public, well-known location for a first meeting
– Tell someone your plans — Let a trusted friend or family member know where you’re going
– Trust your instincts — If something feels off, it probably is
– Keep valuables secured — Be mindful of your belongings at all times
The Bottom Line
The Lagos judiciary has once again demonstrated that no matter how sophisticated your scheme is, the law will catch up with you. For the victim, it was a painful experience — but justice has been served.
As online interactions continue to grow across Nigeria, let this case serve as both a warning to potential criminals and a reminder to everyday Nigerians to stay vigilant. Your iPhone — and your safety — are worth protecting.
Stay safe out there, Lagos. Not everyone sliding into your DMs has good intentions.
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