A suspected scammer was caught and questioned after allegedly attempting to abduct a young man using a psychological manipulation trick commonly known as “palapala.”
The incident was shared by X (formerly Twitter) user @OlawaleOlanir12, who recounted how he intervened after sensing something was off. According to him, while stepping out to polish his palm, he noticed a young man walking in an unusual manner behind two older men a behavior that immediately raised red flags.
Trusting his instincts, Olawale began following the trio and discreetly informed nearby people of the suspicious scene. As the tension grew, one of the older men reportedly fled, leaving his accomplice and the confused young man behind.
The remaining suspect was eventually surrounded by bystanders and questioned. Although he initially remained silent, he later admitted that he and his partner were using a con known as “palapala” a scam where paper is supposedly turned into money with the help of chemicals. Victims are said to be hypnotized into following instructions blindly, often resulting in them handing over large sums of money or valuables.
Olawale wrote:
“This morning, I saved a stranger from being kidnapped. I was on my way to polish my palm when I saw a young man following two elderly men. Something felt off, like his spirit was calling for help. I followed them and alerted others. One of the men ran, but we caught the other. After some questioning and slight force he confessed they’re scammers who use “palapala” to hypnotize people and steal their money.”
The suspect was reportedly released after some residents pleaded on his behalf, despite initial outrage from onlookers.
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The story has since gone viral online, with many users praising the whistleblower’s swift action while warning others to remain cautious when approached by strangers in public spaces.
Reacting to the post…
@i_am_agbeke: “This thing happened to my mom when I was a kid. I didn’t know people still do this. They will talk to you with charm, once you answer them, you’re under their spell. They’ll collect everything you have and it’s only after they leave you that you’ll come to your senses.”
@howolarbeeholla: “I was a victim of this their palapala rubbish at Mile 2 some years back. It was a guy that rescue me when he noticed about their movement with me. They already collected my phone and ask me to go get the money I’m going to collect from a foreign exchange Mallam at ikeja before.”
@Mamowora1: “I still remember clearly, I remember an old man staring at me nd I thought he knew me. So I greeted him. He called me ova to a fence nd that’s when I lost my memory. B4 I knew what happened, my phone, atm nd the laptop I was asked to give someone all gone. Na afose dey use on me.”
@Chinedu91812256: “I’ve experienced this same thing a few years back I followed them from Surulere to Iyenu ipaja those who are in Lagos will know I just thank God for life cause no one knew where i went.I couldn’t even say anything to my parents cause I was told that I would die if I said anything.”
@Conrad8x5x: “The fact that this man sees nothing wrong in what he is doing is a problem . The boldness of him saying na palapala na him de do.”