Drama in Edo as Boutique Shopper Tries to Dupe Store with Fake ₦5m Payment [VIDEO]

 

A dramatic scene unfolded in Benin City, Edo State, after a man was caught attempting to defraud a boutique with a fake bank alert for clothes worth a staggering ₦5 million. The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed at the time of reporting, allegedly used a falsified electronic payment confirmation in an effort to walk away with the high-end items.

Captured in a viral video circulating on X (formerly Twitter), the moment of apprehension quickly turned physical. Passersby and boutique staff took matters into their own hands, dragging the man across the floor and landing several slaps on him before the arrival of authorities. Voices of anger and disbelief filled the air as one woman, visibly upset, declared, “The guy is a criminal. He’s using juju. He came to buy clothes of ₦5m and used a fake alert.”

Witnesses can be heard questioning the audacity of the man’s action, especially considering the high price tag of the attempted theft. One social media user, reacting under the handle @jkcontroversial, stated, “₦5M clothes with fake transfer. Some ppl no get conscience.” Another, @0mobola0duntan, warned against mob justice, urging restraint and due process: “Best way now is to hold him and call the police, if he collapses for there now people won’t say he stole rather they will assume they used him for money…fair people.”

The incident not only stirred local outrage but also sparked broader online conversations about the increasing use of fraudulent bank alerts in commercial transactions. Several commenters highlighted how such scams are becoming more common, especially in major cities, putting small and medium business owners at risk.

While the situation escalated quickly in the boutique, concerns were raised about the potential consequences of mob action. @HelenNDestiny1 cautioned, “Police will leave the main issue to treat assault. They should take him to police than beating him.” The comment echoed wider fears around the dangers of street justice, even in clear cases of wrongdoing.

Another user, @Gozie_mu, hinted at a trend, saying, “This is the third video of thieves getting caught, I have seen today. It seems that finally, monkey don go market e no come back again.” The remark underscores a growing public sense that many alleged criminals are increasingly being caught red-handed by alert citizens.

An element of humor surfaced amid the tension as one viewer, @Kooolemmy, jokingly questioned the woman’s accent during the confrontation, asking, “Which accent is the lady on commentary duty using???” The offhand comment was one of many that reflected the chaotic and emotional nature of the scene.

Although the man was eventually subdued, it is unclear whether he has been officially charged. Authorities have not released an official statement as of the time of this report. However, the incident has fueled renewed calls for improved verification systems for financial transactions and stricter penalties for those using technology to commit fraud.

The incident stands as a cautionary tale for both retailers and consumers, serving as a reminder that not all that glitters in digital alerts is gold.

He was caught for allegedly using fåke bank transfers to purchase clothes from a boutique😳🙆 pic.twitter.com/RB2cXnw9Yr

— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) May 23, 2025