Man Claims He Was Lured To Promotional Deal Meeting Before Police Arrest Over Online Post

A Nigerian man has recounted how he was allegedly arrested over a social media post after being invited to what he believed was a meeting to discuss a lucrative promotional partnership.

The man, identified as @hintrovertt on X, said he initially welcomed the offer because it appeared to involve a substantial payment for a long-term promotional arrangement.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the man explained that the prospective client first requested his rate card before sending him an invoice the following day without negotiating his charges. He said the individual described the proposed arrangement as a long-term partnership rather than the usual payment structure for individual posts or monthly promotions.

He added that he later provided his bank details after being informed that the company would pay him directly.

However, the situation allegedly took an unexpected turn when the prospective client contacted him two days later, saying a manager wanted to meet him in person to discuss the arrangement.

Although the man claimed he was not living in Lagos at the time, he said he told the prospective client he was in the city. He subsequently received a meeting location and attended the following day, dressed formally for what he believed was a business discussion.

According to his account, the meeting initially appeared normal as they discussed the proposed promotional deal. He said he ordered a milkshake after being told that the other party would cover the bill.

He alleged that four men dressed in corporate outfits approached them during the discussion. He initially assumed they were members of the business team until they identified themselves as police officers.

The X user claimed that the man who had invited him then instructed the officers to take him away. He said he pleaded for permission to make a phone call and contacted his brother, who promised to meet him at the police station.

Upon arriving at the station, he alleged that officers showed him the social media post that had prompted the incident. He said he was surprised by the development because he did not believe the post was defamatory, adding that he suspected the individual involved was unhappy about the criticism and backlash surrounding him online.

The man further claimed that he was asked to delete the post and pay ₦3 million in damages. He said his brother later arrived with a lawyer, and after discussions and pleas, he eventually paid approximately ₦400,000.

Reflecting on the experience, @hintrovertt said the incident had changed his perspective on online disputes and the risks associated with public criticism.

“I once got arrested because of a post I made on this app. I thought I was smart, but these people were actually smarter than me,” he wrote.

He added that he would no longer participate in online campaigns against people he did not personally know, urging social media users to exercise caution when commenting on controversial issues.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and the account provided does not include a response from the individual who allegedly arranged the meeting or the police authorities involved.