Airport Police Command Nabs Suspect in Multi-Million Naira Romance Scam Operation
The Airport Police Command in Lagos has made a significant breakthrough in combating financial crimes with the arrest of a 24-year-old man allegedly involved in a sophisticated romance scam that defrauded victims of approximately N48.5 million. The suspect, identified as Precious Onudhona from Delta State, was apprehended while attempting to board a flight from Lagos to Asaba on February 2, 2026.
Elaborate Deception Through Fake Identities
According to the command's spokesperson, ASP Mohammed Adeola, who disclosed details in an official statement, Onudhona operated under the pseudonym "Travis Kevin" – a fabricated identity portraying him as a white American medical doctor. The suspect utilized popular social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram to establish romantic connections with unsuspecting victims, employing carefully crafted narratives to gain their trust.
"Initial investigations revealed that the suspect became involved in fraudulent activities in 2023 after joining a syndicate engaged in romance-related scams," the statement explained. "The syndicate allegedly targeted unsuspecting victims via social media platforms using carefully crafted false identities and deceptive narratives."
Sophisticated Financial Deception Tactics
The suspect's operation involved creating a fraudulent banking domain that displayed fictitious account balances, adding credibility to his false persona. Under the pretense of needing emergency funds for feeding and medical supplies after sustaining injuries in the line of duty, Onudhona reportedly solicited substantial amounts from his victims with promises of quick repayment.
ASP Adeola detailed that "the funds were claimed to be needed for feeding and medical supplies after he allegedly sustained injuries in the line of duty which he received through cryptocurrency." The elaborate scheme resulted in victims losing a combined total of N48,500,000 (approximately $35,000) to the fraudulent operation.
Command's Zero-Tolerance Stance Against Airport Crimes
The Commissioner of Police for the Airport Police Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, has directed a comprehensive investigation into the matter to ensure all syndicate members are identified and brought to justice. In reaffirming the command's position, CP Olufunke emphasized that "the aviation environment as a highly sensitive corridor that must not be exploited for unlawful activities."
The police statement further clarified that "the suspect will be transferred to Interpol section for continuation of investigation and prosecution," indicating the international dimensions of the case given the suspect's impersonation of an American citizen and potential cross-border implications.
Broader Implications for Cybersecurity Awareness
This arrest highlights several critical concerns:
- The increasing sophistication of romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals through social media
- The use of fake professional identities to establish credibility with victims
- The creation of fraudulent financial platforms to deceive targets
- The importance of vigilance when engaging in online relationships, particularly those involving financial requests
The Airport Police Command's successful operation demonstrates their commitment to preventing criminal elements from exploiting aviation facilities while sending a strong message about Nigeria's determination to combat cyber-enabled financial crimes. As investigations continue, authorities urge the public to exercise caution in online interactions and verify the identities of individuals requesting financial assistance through digital platforms.
