A suspected fraudster has allegedly disappeared with three iPhones valued at over N4 million after collecting the devices from a phone vendor he invited to a hotel ( Name withheld) in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The suspect, whose identity remains unknown, was said to have lodged at the hotel for about three days, paying for his accommodation in cash.
Sources familiar with the incident said the suspect, during his stay, brought a lady, allegedly engaged through a hookup arrangement, to his hotel room.
After their encounter, the suspect reportedly offered to pay the lady N30,000 in cash, but she allegedly requested a bank transfer instead.
The suspect was said to have approached a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator in the neighbourhood to facilitate the transfer to the lady.
The suspect had earlier approached the hotel receptionist and requested assistance in contacting a phone vendor, claiming he wanted to purchase new mobile phones.
Following the request, a vendor was invited to the hotel with three different iPhone models reportedly worth over N4 million.
After inspecting the devices, the suspect allegedly collected all three phones from the vendor and told the lady and the vendor that he wanted to take them downstairs to show someone.
However, rather than return to the room, the suspect reportedly disappeared with the phones, leaving both individuals waiting.
The vendor, who became suspicious after waiting unsuccessfully for the suspect’s return to the room, raised the alarm.
Further checks reportedly revealed that the suspect had supplied false personal details to the hotel management when checking in.
The telephone number he provided was subsequently called but was discovered to belong to another individual in Badagry, Lagos State.
Meanwhile, the hotel receptionist and the hook up girl the suspect brought to the hotel have reportedly been arrested by the police in connection with the incident.
The POS operator who facilitated the N30,000 transfer has also been invited by the police for questioning.
The whereabouts of the suspect and the three missing iPhones remain unknown as investigations continue.
