In May 2024, Ibrahim Abdulazeez, a software engineer based in Osun State, fell victim to a Facebook scam that cost him over N2.2 million — money he had set aside as capital for his wife’s new business venture.
Abdulazeez recounted to FIJ how he was deceived by a Facebook page impersonating Dufil Prima Foods Ltd., the renowned manufacturer of Nigeria’s popular Indomie noodles. During an online search, he stumbled on what appeared to be an authentic supply outlet for Dufil Prima Foods. Impressed by the convincing appearance of the page, he believed it was legitimate and reached out to one of the listed contacts.
“The page looked just like the official Dufil Prima Foods Facebook page. It appeared so real, I didn’t have any reason to doubt it,” he said.
The contact he messaged claimed to be a supplier with the company and offered to fulfill a bulk order. Abdulazeez eventually transferred N2,296,600 for a consignment that included 203 cartons of Indomitable chicken flavour, 69 cartons of Indomitable onion flavour, 50 cartons of standard chicken flavour, and 100 cartons of oriental fried noodles.
Although he had reservations when he noticed the account provided was registered with a microfinance bank, the account name matched “Dufil Prima,” which gave him some confidence.
“When I saw that the account was with a microfinance bank, I became a bit skeptical. But the account name read ‘Dufil Prima,’ so I assumed it was a subsidiary or something similar, and I made the payment,” he explained.
Trouble began shortly after the payment was made. The supposed agent started making excuses, claiming the delivery truck was undergoing repairs and promising that the goods would be dispatched within 72 hours. That deadline came and went — it was May 25. By May 28, there were still no signs of the goods, and the agent failed to provide the driver’s contact as promised.
“That was when I realized something was wrong. I asked for a refund, and the person stopped responding completely,” Abdulazeez said.
Faced with growing suspicion that he had been defrauded, Abdulazeez swung into action, attempting to recover the funds. He contacted his bank, Zenith Bank, which opened an investigation and assigned a case number. Although a legal representative from the bank appeared at a court session, no significant progress has been made.
Meanwhile, the road to justice has been littered with setbacks. Abdulazeez said efforts to push the case through the courts have been met with repeated adjournments, often without meaningful explanation.
“The Magistrate keeps postponing the hearings, and it’s become incredibly frustrating. No real progress has been made,” he told FIJ.
Even more troubling was his experience with law enforcement. When he reported the scam to the police, he was allegedly asked to pay between N600,000 and N800,000 to facilitate the arrest of the suspect.
“That demand by the police left me completely disheartened. It’s like I’m fighting this battle alone,” he said.
To date, there has been little assistance from authorities. The phone number used by the scammer has remained unreachable, and WhatsApp messages sent to the number have gone unanswered.
The ordeal has not only left Abdulazeez financially drained but also underscores the growing threat of online fraud in Nigeria — and the difficulties victims face when seeking redress.
