The Nigeria Police has warned members of the public to beware of the activities of criminals parading with white handkerchiefs and using same to hypnotize and defraud innocent people of their valuables in Delta State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports as was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe.
Residents were warned to be on high alert over a disturbing method recently uncovered by suspects in Police custody.
Edafe revealed that criminals are now deploying white handkerchiefs to hypnotize unsuspecting members of the public before robbing them. He explained the suspects’ modus operandi by revealing that they usually target individuals they considered vulnerable, often approaching them with a simple request for directions. However, the seemingly harmless interaction will quickly turn into an attack..
“These suspects will see somebody they perceive to be vulnerable and ask the person for direction. Once that person gives them direction, that’s it. They use white handkerchief. Once they use it to touch the victim, the victim will lose consciousness,” SP Edafe stated.
He disclosed that victims under this spell usually lose control of themselves and later discover that their phones, money, and other belongings had been stolen. In some cases, the affected persons reportedly wandered off aimlessly before regaining full consciousness, with little or no recollection of the encounter.
Edafe cautioned members of the public to be more security conscious, especially when approached by strangers in lonely or suspicious places. He advised people not to let down their guard and to immediately report unusual encounters to the nearest police station.
Reassuring residents, the Command’s spokesperson said operatives are intensifying efforts to track down and dismantle criminal groups involved in the practice. He added that the Police will also continue sensitization campaigns to ensure that the members of the public are well informed about such tricks.
This revelation highlights the evolving strategies criminals employ and the need for heightened vigilance across Delta State.
The Police stated that the suspects will be charged before the Court for their alleged conduct under the Criminal Laws of the State and that will be after the conclusion of investigations by the Police.