The Airport Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with an alleged large-scale romance fraud involving N48.5 million, as part of ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities within Nigeria’s aviation environment.
The suspect, identified as Precious Onudhona, a native of Delta State, was arrested on February 2, 2026, by operatives of the Anti-Fraud Unit of the Airport Police Command following actionable intelligence. He was apprehended at the airport while attempting to board a flight to Asaba, Delta State.
According to police findings, Onudhona is allegedly linked to a romance fraud syndicate that has been operating since 2023. Preliminary investigations revealed that the group targeted unsuspecting victims through social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, using false identities and deceptive personal narratives to gain trust and defraud victims.
Police said the suspect allegedly posed as “Travis Kevin,” a white American medical doctor, to carry out the fraud. As part of the scheme, he reportedly created a fake banking domain displaying fictitious account balances to convince victims of his supposed financial capacity.
Victims were allegedly induced to send money under the pretext that the funds were needed for feeding and medical supplies after he claimed to have sustained injuries in the line of duty. The suspect reportedly promised quick repayment of the funds, with some transactions conducted through cryptocurrency channels.
The Commissioner of Police, Airport Police Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, MNIPS, PhD, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the case and directed operatives to identify, track, and arrest other members of the alleged fraud syndicate.
CP Ogunbode reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on criminal activities within the airport ecosystem, stressing that the aviation environment is a highly sensitive corridor that must not be exploited for unlawful purposes.
“The Airport Police Command will continue to deploy intelligence-led policing and proactive strategies to protect passengers, aviation personnel, and critical infrastructure,” she said.
The suspect is expected to be transferred to the Interpol Section for further investigation and possible prosecution, given the alleged transnational nature of the offences.
The Police Command advised members of the public to remain vigilant, particularly in online interactions, and to promptly report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Airport Police Command, Lagos, ASP Mohammed Adeola, on February 3, 2026.
