From Jaruma, Angela Nwosu, and now Omoshola with her special package charms, there are growing concerns that online love charms might not just be disturbing but they could be mere scams perpetrated by its handlers on unsuspecting victims
It is also unusual that such online love charms are becoming popular in these unusual times when the world is almost torn apart by a devastating pandemic.
However, one major pointer to these trends is that in the last few months since the Novel Coronavirus has increased work from home and leisure times, there are interesting things happening, especially on social media platforms.
It was normal in the past for sellers of charms, in general, to hide their identities online while peddling such wares. However, the fact that social media has given more voices to millennials, many of them are using several social media platforms to advance their voice, ideas and passion.
This is responsible for the rise of online love scammer vendors who are using major social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Facebook to target their customers and prospects.
Jaaruma Empire
In the last three years, one of the most popular online charm vendors is Jaruma Empire. According to her Wikipedia profile. Jaaruma is from Billiri local government area of Gombe State.
Jaaruma, whose real name is Hauwa Saidu Mohammed was born 26 October, 1993. She is the founder and CEO of Jaaruma Empire Limited.
Jaaruma who branded herself as a sex therapist, attended New Capital Nursery and Primary School in Asokoro, Abuja and Nigeria International College, Abuja. In 2007, she was admitted into Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria but left before the end of her program to study International Relations and Human Therapy in Istanbul Kultur University, Turkey.
The rise of her online love charm started from 2010 to 2016, Jaruma ventured into several businesses from selling pots hair, dresses, to real estates. She started a YouTube channel in 2016 to promote the therapeutic benefits of Azanza Garckeana also known as Snot Apple, Mutohwe, African chewing gum, gorontula, tula kolanut or morojwa. The channel’s increasing audience formed the market for her product line when they were released in 2017.[3][4][5]
According to her Instagram page, she sells several charms. From love charms, favour and even charms that can be used by ladies to attract richer men to fall in love with them.
Are Omoshola Special Package and Angela Nwosu Jaaruma copycats?
In the last few months, two online love charm vendors have surfaced on social media. Omoshola who is famous for her ‘special package’ has created a frenzy online.
According to the lady identified as Deborah Erioluwapo Ajayi, with the Instagram username @omosholas_place, the love charm “Special Package” comes as a box that consists of products specially made based on a client’s request.
The 23-year-old lady said that the Special Package takes about two weeks or more to prepare, and those purchasing will have to send their names and that of the person they want to use the charm on for some white rituals. She added that one Special Package cannot be used on two people.
The popularity of Omoshol is closely followed by one Angela Nwosu. Known for her blue eyes bracelet. She claims to sell ‘goodluck charms and happiness’ charms.
In an article written on Operanews, Angela Nwosu started her business a few years ago has finally made it, she says once you get a blue eyes bracelet lucky will always come your way.
Are these scams or real?
There have been arguments back and forth. While a majority of the people commenting on the activities of online love charm vendors find the idea and everything they do as repulsive and despicable, few other people are indifferent to them.
The most surprising thing about the sentiments of people on social media to online love charm vendors is that While most people who comment on the matter actually do not want to have anything to do with them, many people actually think the charms are effective. Many people on Twitter actually fear for their male partners in the event that they get charmed by customers of these vendors.
However, it will be very difficult for anyone to prove whether these love charm vendors are mere scammers or genuine vendors with potent products. As a result of the confidential nature of what they do and who they serve, there are no public accounts of anyone who attested to the efficacy of their charms.
However, many people who seem to be discerning are concerned that online love charm vendors such as Omoshola with her special package charms might be feeding on the desperation and gullibility of many Nigerians who patronise them.
This is because, many warned that their antics is similar to many offline scammers who parade themselves as spiritualists claiming to have cures for several ailments and charms for finding love, favour and power.
Many Nigerians have lost their fortunes and life savings to theae sorts of scams. Many people who towed these line of arguments said most online love charm vendors are just copying and repackaging the same lies.
This brings to memory the saying that ”If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.
Many people are already sending scam alerts on social media. On Twitter, one critic said:
“You should know there are those that specialize in feeding off the gullibility of their victims. An average Nigerian will believe anybody that can smooth-talk them through anything, ranging from pastors to imams to the babalawos and of course the SPECIAL PACKAGE hawkers”
A popular entrepreneur and human resources expert, Ogbeni Dipo said:
“If the person selling juju cream to you could use it to make men give her money, why is she in the business and having to endure all the insult? Why isn’t she using her own juju special package.”
However, there are still those people who believe these charm vendors should be feared because their charms could trap men or harm their targets.
It is also a matter of perspective, beliefs and worldviews.
One thing is certain. These love charm vendors are cashing out, if their lavish lifestyle is anything to go by, however, we must bear in mind that someone somewhere must believe in them.
