Oluwanisola Quadri, a 28-year-old man, has been arrested by the Oluyole Security Surveillance Team (OSST) in Ibadan, Oyo State, for defrauding Point of Sale (PoS) operators and traders by sending fake bank transfer alerts.
Quadri’s modus operandi involved approaching PoS operators or traders, requesting cash, and pretending to transfer the amount, including commissions, using a bank app.
Instead of actual transfers, he would edit previous bank alerts on his phone, change the recipient’s name, date, and time, and forward the fake alert to the victim’s number.
According to reports, Quadri admitted to beginning this fraudulent activity in June 2024. He initially succeeded but was arrested in September by the Ashi Division of the Oyo State Police Command. Unable to meet his bail conditions, he was remanded at the Agodi Correctional Centre until late November when fellow inmates helped him fulfill his bail requirements.
However, barely a week after his release, Quadri resumed his fraudulent activities, claiming he had no other means of survival.
A Troubled Past
Quadri’s troubles reportedly began during his time at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), where he studied Accounting. He became addicted to drugs in 2015, using money meant for his tuition fees to fund his addiction. This led to multiple academic setbacks, including missed examinations and unpaid fees, which prevented him from graduating.
Despite his father’s efforts to rehabilitate him, including sending him to a drug rehabilitation center in Abeokuta, Quadri relapsed and turned to fraud to sustain his drug habit.
How He Was Caught
Quadri’s arrest came after he duped a PoS operator at Olomi Junction in Ibadan. He had requested N20,000 and sent a fake alert for N20,400. When the operator refused to release the cash without confirmation, Quadri attempted to flee but was apprehended after being pursued.
Victims of his scams shared their experiences.
Olanrewaju Balkis, a PoS operator, narrated:
“The suspect came to me asking to withdraw cash via a transfer. After claiming the money had been sent, he collected the cash while I was distracted and fled. I later discovered no money had been credited to my account.”
Olaniyan Tawa, a chemist, also shared her ordeal:
“He came to buy malaria medication and claimed to have transferred N10,000. When I didn’t receive the alert, he insisted it was a network issue. I pitied him and let him go, but later discovered it was fraud.”
Family’s Reaction
When contacted about his son’s arrest, Quadri’s father refused to intervene, instructing authorities to handle him according to the law. He reportedly expressed frustration over years of disappointment and financial loss caused by Quadri’s drug addiction and fraudulent activities.
Authorities Speak
The OSST Commandant, Olusegun Idowu, confirmed Quadri’s arrest and subsequent transfer to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Idi Ayunre, following instructions from Oluyole Local Government Chairman, Honourable Akeem Olatunji.
Quadri admitted to his crimes, expressing regret but blaming his actions on his drug addiction and financial struggles. He said, “There is no gain in taking illicit drugs. I have tried to stop but failed, and my attempts to find a job have been unsuccessful.”
The case highlights the challenges of drug addiction and its link to criminal behavior, as well as the importance of vigilance in financial transactions.
Be the first to comment