The Airport Police Command in Lagos State has apprehended a 24-year-old man in connection with an alleged large-scale romance fraud scheme involving N48.5 million (about $35,000).
The spokesperson, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Mohammed Adeola, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Tuesday. Adeola said the suspect was apprehended on Monday while attempting to board a flight to Asaba, the Delta State capital.
According to the statement, the arrest was carried out by operatives of the Anti-Fraud Unit following actionable intelligence.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect became involved in fraudulent activities in 2023 after joining a syndicate that specialised in romance-related scams,” the statement read, adding that “victims were targeted through social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, where the syndicate created false identities and deceptive narratives.”
The suspect allegedly posed as “Travis Kevin,” a white American medical doctor, and established a fake banking website displaying fictitious account balances. Authorities said he solicited money from victims, claiming it was needed for food and medical supplies to cover injuries supposedly sustained in the line of duty, and promised to repay them promptly.
“Payments were reportedly requested through cryptocurrency,” the spokesperson said. In response, the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, CP Olufunke Ogunbode, has ordered a thorough and comprehensive investigation to ensure justice is served. According to Adeola, Ogunbode also directed that all other members of the fraud syndicate be identified and apprehended.
“The CP emphasised the command’s zero-tolerance stance on criminal activities within the aviation sector, describing airports as sensitive corridors that must not be exploited for unlawful purposes,” he said. The suspect will be transferred to the Interpol section for further investigation and prosecution.