The Airport Police Command has successfully arrested a 24-year-old man, Precious Onudhona, for his alleged involvement in a massive romance scam that defrauded unsuspecting victims of ₦48.5 million in Lagos.
The suspect, a native of Delta State, reportedly posed as a white American medical doctor named “Travis Kevin” to gain the confidence of his victims and manipulate them into transferring funds.
According to the spokesperson of the command, ASP Mohammed Adeola, the suspect was apprehended on February 2, 2026, at the Lagos airport while attempting to board a flight to Asaba, Delta State.
The arrest came following actionable intelligence provided to the Anti-Fraud Unit, highlighting ongoing efforts by the command to safeguard the aviation environment against criminal exploitation.
Investigations revealed that Onudhona became involved in online fraud activities in 2023 after joining a syndicate focused on romance scam schemes.
The group reportedly targeted victims primarily through social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, using carefully constructed fake profiles and emotionally persuasive narratives to lure individuals into sending money.
The suspect is alleged to have set up a fake banking domain displaying fictitious account balances, which he used to convince victims of his authenticity.
Through this platform, he solicited funds under the pretense that the money was urgently needed for feeding and medical supplies following injuries he supposedly sustained in the line of duty.
The funds obtained were reportedly received in cryptocurrency, making it difficult for victims to trace the transactions.
ASP Adeola emphasized that the Airport Police Command remains committed to preventing the exploitation of the aviation ecosystem for criminal purposes.
“In our sustained efforts to combat social media fraud and other cyber-related crimes, our Anti-Fraud Unit has been actively monitoring suspicious activities.
The arrest of Precious Onudhona demonstrates our commitment to protecting both travelers and the general public from deceitful schemes,” he said.
Further findings indicate that the syndicate’s operations were sophisticated, combining digital technology with psychological manipulation.
Victims were often lured into believing they were assisting a humanitarian cause or helping a distressed professional, making the fraudulent activities appear legitimate.
Investigators noted that such romance scam operations often have ripple effects, causing both financial and emotional harm to the victims involved.
The Commissioner of Police, Airport Police Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, MNIPS, PhD, has directed a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the case.
She emphasized that all members of the online syndicate must be identified and brought to justice.
“The aviation environment is a highly sensitive corridor that must not be exploited. We are committed to a zero-tolerance approach against any form of criminality within our jurisdiction,” she stated.
The suspect is expected to be transferred to the Interpol section of the Airport Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.
Law enforcement officials stress that this step is essential for tracking any international connections the syndicate might have and to prevent future incidents of romance scam on a global scale.
Experts note that cases like this highlight the increasing prevalence of social media fraud and the importance of public awareness.
Citizens are urged to verify the authenticity of online contacts, avoid transferring money to unverified sources, and report suspicious activities to the authorities immediately.
The combination of digital deception and personal trust makes romance scam operations particularly challenging to detect, making law enforcement vigilance crucial.
ASP Adeola added that the command has continued to strengthen its capacity to detect online fraud, improve monitoring of suspicious activities in and around airport environments, and coordinate with national and international agencies.
The arrest of Onudhona serves as a warning to others attempting to exploit digital platforms for illegal gains.
Ireport247news
