The Airport Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man, Precious Onudhona, for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting victims of ₦48.5 million through an elaborate online romance scam in Lagos.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Mohammed Adeola.
Suspect Allegedly Posed as Foreign Doctor Online
According to the police, Onudhona, a native of Delta State, allegedly operated under a false identity on social media platforms, posing as a white American medical doctor named “Travis Kevin” to gain the trust and emotional attachment of his victims.
Akahi News gathered that the suspect reportedly used romance-based manipulation tactics to build relationships with victims before making financial demands.
Arrest at Lagos Airport While Attempting to Travel
ASP Adeola disclosed that the suspect was arrested on February 2, 2026, while attempting to board a flight from Lagos to Asaba, Delta State. The arrest followed actionable intelligence received by the Anti-Fraud Unit of the Airport Police Command.
According to police sources, operatives moved swiftly to intercept the suspect at the airport, preventing what investigators believe may have been an attempt to evade arrest.
Fake Banking Domain Used to Deceive Victims
Investigations revealed that Onudhona allegedly created a fake banking domain displaying fictitious account balances. This digital deception was reportedly used to convince victims of his financial credibility and reinforce the false narrative of being a well-paid foreign medical professional.
Police further stated that the suspect allegedly solicited funds under the pretext that he required money for feeding and medical supplies after claiming to have sustained injuries while on duty.
“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.
Alleged Links to Romance Fraud Syndicate
Further findings by investigators revealed that the suspect allegedly joined a fraud syndicate in 2023. The group reportedly specialised in romance-related scams, targeting victims through popular social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
Akahi News learnt that security agencies are now expanding investigations to uncover other members of the syndicate and trace additional financial trails connected to the alleged fraud.
Police Reaffirm Zero Tolerance for Airport Crimes
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Airport Police Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, MNIPS, PhD, ordered a comprehensive investigation to ensure that all individuals linked to the alleged crime are identified and prosecuted.
She reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance stance on criminal activities within the aviation environment, stressing that airports are highly sensitive zones that must not be exploited for unlawful purposes.
Suspect to Face Further Investigation
The police confirmed that the suspect would be transferred to the Interpol Section for further investigation and prosecution, given the transnational nature of online romance scams.
Observers say the case underscores the growing sophistication of cyber-enabled fraud and highlights the need for increased public awareness, digital vigilance, and inter-agency cooperation in combating online financial crimes.
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