A 28-year-old man, Oluwanisola Quadri, was apprehended by the Oluyole Security Surveillance Team (OSST) in Ibadan, Oyo State, for defrauding Point of Sale (PoS) operators and traders using fake bank transfer alerts.
Quadri's modus operandi involved pretending to make payments via mobile banking apps. He would approach PoS operators or traders, request cash or goods, and then fabricate a fake credit alert on his phone, which he sent to the victim. By altering details like the name, date, and amount on the alerts, he deceived his victims into believing the transactions were legitimate.
History of Fraudulent Activities
Quadri admitted to starting his fraudulent activities in June 2023. Initially, his schemes went unnoticed, but he was arrested by the Ashi Division of the Oyo State Police Command in September and charged to court. Unable to meet his bail conditions, he was remanded at Agodi Correctional Centre until late November when fellow inmates helped him secure his release.
However, within a week of regaining freedom, Quadri resumed his fraudulent activities. His most recent attempt involved a PoS operator at Olomi Junction, where he claimed to transfer ₦20,400 but failed to provide proof of payment. He tried to flee but was caught and handed over to security officials.
Drug Addiction and Family Struggles
Quadri's challenges trace back to his time at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, where he studied Accounting. He reportedly became addicted to drugs, using money meant for tuition fees to purchase substances like pentazocine and tramadol. His addiction caused him to miss exams, leading to carryovers and an extra year in school.
Despite his father’s efforts, including enrolling him in a rehabilitation center, Quadri relapsed into drug use. Frustrated, his father eventually cut ties, refusing to assist him further. Quadri claimed financial desperation and drug dependency drove him to commit fraud.
Victims Speak Out
Several victims shared their experiences:
Olanrewaju Balkis, a PoS operator, recounted losing ₦30,600 after trusting Quadri’s fake alert.
Olaniyan Tawa, a chemist, supplied Quadri with medications worth ₦10,000 but never received payment.
Akinbola Mariam, another PoS operator, said Quadri previously duped her employee of ₦20,000 in August.
Legal Action
Following his recent arrest, Quadri was transferred to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation. According to OSST Commandant Olusegun Idowu, Quadri’s father has declined involvement, urging authorities to deal with him according to the law.
Quadri admitted to his crimes, expressing regret over his actions and his struggle to break free from drug addiction. However, his repeated offenses have left victims and his family deeply disappointed, further complicating his road to redemption.