In July 2021, Oghenekaro Okeoghene got a phone call from an unfamiliar number informing her that he had been defrauded by someone using her photograph.
As a veterinary doctor, Okeoghene was confused about how her profession could be associated with fraud. The caller said that the fraudster, who claimed to offer costly varieties of dogs, got off with thousands of naira after promoting his fictitious company online.
According to Okeoghene, the caller said that the fraudster claimed to be her spouse using her photo out of love.
While she considered how to respond, two other individuals contacted her. They stated how the impostor had tried to scam them without success.
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“When I inquired about how the callers discovered me, they said they did through my Instagram account. I asked why they did not do a thorough search before attempting to patronise the guy, but they said there was no need since they had his contact information from Jiji.com,” she stated.
“They informed me that the guy claimed to be selling costly pets at a lower price in order to get others to purchase from him. When individuals pay him, he then blocks them.”
She also said that Salami Idowu only demands a part-payment from his next victim, instructing them to pay the balance when he hands the dogs to them. However, since he does not not deliver pets to the victims, he blocks them after collecting the money.
“I went to Eleyele Police Station in Ibadan to report the matter, but when they asked for money before embarking on an investigation, I dropped the issue,” she said.
Ridwan Ayodeji, one of Idowu’s victims, informed FIJ that when dealing with people, Idowu leaves no sign of suspicion.
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“When I came across his profile on Jiji, I proceeded to read all of his reviews, which were all favourable. There were very few bad remarks. This was the method with which he defrauded me,” said Ayodeji.
“Additionally, he would be considerate. He would instruct you to pay half the price of the puppy you choose and the remaining balance at the time of delivery. He also films himself with the dog of interest. It’s difficult to disbelieve him.”
According to a source, who requested anonymity, Idowu is a member of many WhatsApp groups dedicated to dogs.
“I assumed he was really interested in selling dogs, but he proved to be a fraud,” he said.
FIJ placed several calls to Idowu, but he did not answer them. A text message sent to him was also not responded to.
FIJ also checked Idowu’s page on Jiji, but it appeared that he had deleted it already.
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