By Collins Nnabuike Onah, Esq.
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On the 30th of August, 2025, I was in a commercial vehicle heading to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, from Enugu State. Along the way, the driver stopped for passengers to stretch their legs and buy food. While standing outside, I noticed someone behind me on a phone call. From his tone, it was obvious he was having a serious argument.
He was pleading with the person on the other end — a woman, as I later discovered to refund the money he had sent her. His voice was firm, his face tense. Apparently, he had sent her transport fare so she could visit him, but she never showed up. Now, she wasn’t taking his calls, and he wanted his money back.
As passengers began returning to their seats, he rushed to end the call, repeating her name and his demand: “Please send my money back.” He quickly entered the vehicle with some items he had purchased.
Even after reaching my destination, the incident lingered in my mind. It reminded me of a growing trend in Nigeria, where men send money to women based on an agreement to visit only to be ghosted.
In many cases, the woman blocks the man, ignores his messages, or in a twist of irony accuses him of harassment when he asks for a refund.
Interestingly, what many men used to dismiss as a harmless “relationship scam” thinking there’s no legal way to recover the money — has now started attracting serious legal consequences.
Recent court cases in Enugu and Osun States have brought this issue to the forefront, and the legal implications are worth exploring.
What Does Nigerian Law Say About This?
While cases involving “transport money” are not yet common in Nigerian law reports, Nigerian courts have a long history of addressing civil wrongs under contract law, tort, and consumer protection principles. These doctrines provide the legal foundation for holding individuals accountable when money is collected under false pretenses.
One of the closest legal analogies is the breach of promise to marry. Nigerian courts have treated such promises as enforceable contracts — especially when one party suffers financial or emotional loss after relying on the promise.
In the Supreme Court case of Ezeanah v. Atta (2004) LPELR-1198 (SC), Justice Niki Tobi, JSC (of blessed memory), held that a clear promise to marry, if relied upon to the detriment of one party, can lead to a valid claim for damages. Similarly, in Uso v. Iketubosin (1975) WRNLR 187, the court awarded compensation for emotional and financial losses caused by a broken promise.
However, Nigerian courts do not act on accusations alone. Under Section 197 of the Evidence Act 2011 (as amended in 2023), a claimant must present more than mere allegations to succeed. Credible proof is essential. This may include: Chat messages, Bank transfer receipts, Witness statements, Gifts exchanged and any documentation of the agreement.
If you can prove that there was a clear promise, and that money was given in reliance on that promise, the court may find in your favour.
On the other hand, you cannot collect money for transport boldly and then ghost the person who sent it, hoping to “eat” the money without any consequences.
It is trite law that if money is paid for a promised service and that service is not rendered, the payer is entitled to a refund, and possibly damages. Whether it’s a failed romantic visit or an undelivered service, Nigerian civil law recognizes this as actionable deceit or breach of agreement.
The Legal Lesson.
The key legal takeaway from these cases is that Nigerian courts are increasingly willing to discourage deceptive conduct, especially in relationships built on trust.
Victims may be entitled to recover both the amount sent and monetary compensation for emotional distress, provided there is sufficient proof.
It is also important to note that this issue is not limited to romantic situations. These same legal principles apply to business agreements, informal service arrangements, everyday transactions involving money and mutual expectations.
Conclusion
A word to the wise: the era of casually collecting “TP money” without legal consequences is fading fast. What may seem like a harmless game to some Nigerian women or a small play now have serious legal implications in our jurisprudence, especially where there is clear intent to deceive, such as blocking the sender, ignoring the person’s calls, or even making threats when asked for a refund.
If you’re receiving money based on an agreement to visit someone, be honest, transparent and straightforward. And if you change your mind, the responsible thing to do is refund the money. Failing to do so could make you liable in court — not just for the amount received, but for emotional distress and reputational damage as well.
So, if you know deep down that you don’t intend to visit, don’t ask for transport fare. And if you’ve already collected it and changed your mind, refund it promptly.
It’s not just about good character — it’s about legal protection.
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