NSCDC raids fake university in Badagry, rescues 106 youths
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Badagry Area Command, has uncovered an alleged fake university operating from a three-bedroom apartment in Ilado, Olorunda Local Council Development Area, Lagos State. The operation led to the rescue of 106 youths who were allegedly lured into the scheme.
The Corps also arrested the alleged proprietor of the institution, which reportedly recruited young people from different parts of Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries with promises of admission into a foreign university.
Operation details and arrests
The operation was carried out in the early hours of Monday after days of intelligence gathering and covert surveillance. It exposed what security officials described as an alleged fraudulent academic and recruitment scheme. The youths, mostly aged between 19 and 24, were taken into protective custody by the NSCDC for profiling and further investigation.
Confirming the arrest to newsmen, the Badagry Area Commander of the NSCDC, Chief Superintendent Gbenga Ekunola, said the operation followed credible intelligence received by the command on activities at the apartment. “We got reliable intelligence about the activities going on there. Our officers monitored the place for days before moving in. We have arrested the proprietor, who is assisting with our investigation, while the students have been taken into our protective custody,” Ekunola stated.
Financial exploitation and Ponzi-like scheme
Preliminary investigations indicated that unsuspecting young people were allegedly persuaded to pay admission and processing fees after being promised admission into a foreign tertiary institution. The victims reportedly paid between N200,000 and N1.5 million, while some foreign nationals and other participants allegedly paid between $400 and $500.
However, the alleged admission scheme reportedly came with a recruitment condition, with participants encouraged to bring in more people in return for commissions. The arrangement allegedly operated like a chain marketing or Ponzi scheme, with participants promised increasing financial rewards based on the number of new students they recruited.
Impact and ongoing investigation
The NSCDC has taken the 106 rescued youths into protective custody for profiling and further investigation. The arrested proprietor is assisting with inquiries as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the fraudulent operation. The command urged the public to be vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
