By Jethro Ibileke
In a dramatic crackdown, operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a 31-year-old woman, Freda Omakhone, accused of orchestrating a string of high-end scams targeting luxury boutiques across Benin City.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, Omakhone posed as a wealthy shopper, making purchases worth hundreds of thousands of naira—only to dupe vendors with expertly doctored bank transfer receipts.
She allegedly altered digital receipts to reflect inflated amounts and false business names, sending them via WhatsApp to unsuspecting store owners.
The loot from her deception was staggering. Recovered items include luxury human hair, designer clothing, cosmetics, electronics, kitchenware, and more. Several victims have since identified and reclaimed their goods.
“The suspect has confessed and will soon face prosecution,” Yamu confirmed in a late-night statement on Saturday.
Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, condemned the growing trend of digital fraud and urged young people to embrace honest living.
“Crime is not a hustle,” he said. “There are countless legal paths to success—choose wisely.”
The police are urging business owners to double-check all payments before releasing goods, especially in high-value transactions.
