24-Year-Old Man Arrested in Lagos for Allegedly Posing as American Doctor in ₦48.5 Million Romance Scam
A 24-year-old man, identified as Precious Onudhona, has been arrested in Lagos by operatives of the Airport Police Command over allegations of impersonation and large-scale online fraud amounting to ₦48.5 million. The suspect is accused of posing as a white American medical doctor on social media platforms to deceive and financially exploit unsuspecting victims through a romance scam.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, by the spokesperson of the Airport Police Command, ASP Mohammed Adeola. According to the statement, the suspect was apprehended following actionable intelligence received by the Anti-Fraud Unit of the command, which led to his arrest on February 2, 2026.
Police authorities disclosed that Onudhona, who hails from Delta State, was arrested while attempting to board a flight from Lagos to Asaba. Investigators said the timing of the arrest was critical, as the suspect was allegedly attempting to leave the state to evade detection and possible arrest after his fraudulent activities began to attract scrutiny.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly created and operated multiple fake social media profiles under the identity of “Travis Kevin,” whom he claimed was a white American medical doctor. Using these fabricated identities, he reportedly targeted victims on popular social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, gradually building emotional relationships designed to gain trust and sympathy.
Related News
Lagos Government Asked Landlord to Pay ₦400,000 to Unseal Her House Despite Having Complete Documents
A Lagos landlord shared a shocking experience after returning home to find her newly built house sealed by officials despite…
Lagos Ready for State Police, Says LNSA Chief Ifalade
Lagos State has declared its readiness for the establishment of state police in Nigeria, with the leadership of the Lagos…
Lagos State Holds Nigeria’s Largest Subnational Domestic Debt at ₦1.05 Trillion, Data Shows
New data from Nigeria’s Debt Management Office indicates that Lagos State holds the largest domestic debt among all states, standing…
Further investigations revealed that Onudhona allegedly employed sophisticated tactics to convince victims of his legitimacy and financial credibility. Police said he created a fake banking domain that displayed fictitious account balances, which he used to reassure victims that he was financially stable and trustworthy. This tactic, investigators noted, played a significant role in persuading victims to send money when requested.
The police alleged that the suspect solicited funds under various false pretenses, including claims that he required money for feeding, medical supplies, and personal care after supposedly sustaining injuries while carrying out medical duties abroad. These emotional appeals, combined with the false professional identity, reportedly enabled him to extract substantial sums of money from multiple victims over time.
“In the sustained efforts to prevent criminal elements from exploiting the aviation environment, the Anti-Fraud Unit of the Airport Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old suspect linked to a large-scale fraud amounting to ₦48,500,000, equivalent to approximately $35,000,” the police statement read.
Investigators also disclosed that the suspect allegedly became involved with a fraud syndicate in 2023. The group is said to specialize in romance-related scams, targeting victims through online platforms by exploiting emotional vulnerability and trust. Authorities believe the syndicate operates across multiple locations and may have defrauded additional victims beyond those already identified.
The Commissioner of Police, Airport Police Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, MNIPS, PhD, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the case. According to the police, the objective is to identify all individuals connected to the alleged syndicate and ensure they are brought to justice.
CP Ogunbode reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance stance toward criminal activity, particularly within the aviation environment. She described airports as highly sensitive and strategic zones that must be protected from being used as transit points or operational bases for criminal activities.
The police further disclosed that the suspect would be transferred to the Interpol Section for expanded investigation and prosecution, given the international dimensions of the alleged impersonation and online fraud.
The case has sparked widespread public reactions, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the growing prevalence of online scams and impersonation crimes. As investigations continue, law enforcement agencies have urged members of the public to exercise caution in online interactions and promptly report suspicious activities to authorities.