A suspected kidnapper and scammer was caught after allegedly tricking a young man into following him aimlessly using a psychological scam technique known as “palapala.”
User @OlawaleOlanir12 posted about the incident on X (formerly Twitter), explaining how he intervened, put an end to the scam, and potentially prevented the stranger from being kidnapped.
He claims that he was going outside to polish his palm when it occurred. He saw a young man following two older men, acting strangely.
Perceiving a problem, he chose to follow them and subtly warned those around them.
As they were being trailed, one of the suspects noticed the attention and quickly fled.
Unaware of the situation, the other continued to accompany the young man on his walk. It was already too late when he became aware that he was being followed; onlookers apprehended him and started interrogating him.
Initially silent, the suspect eventually confessed after pressure, revealing that he and his partner were scammers who practiced “palapala” — a con in which they pretend to turn paper into money using chemicals.
Once a victim responds to them, they allegedly manipulate the person’s senses, making them follow orders blindly — often leading to financial loss, including borrowing and handing over large sums.
The witness, @OlawaleOlanir12, shared part of his experience online, writing:
“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 beaten and later released after pleading for forgiveness, with some people in the area stepping in on his behalf.
The story has since gone viral, with many online users expressing concern and urging the public to be cautious when approached by strangers in public places.
See some reactions below:
@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.”
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