The Airport Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old fraud suspect linked to a sophisticated online scam valued at N48.5 million, as security agencies intensify efforts to protect the aviation environment from criminal exploitation. The arrest underscores renewed vigilance at Nigeria’s airports, which authorities describe as highly sensitive national assets requiring constant surveillance and intelligence-led policing.
According to the Airport Police Command, the fraud suspect was apprehended on February 2, 2026, following actionable intelligence received by the Command’s Anti-Fraud Unit. The suspect, identified as Precious Onudhona ‘M’, a native of Delta State, was intercepted at the airport while attempting to board a flight to Asaba. Officers moved swiftly to prevent his departure after confirming his identity and alleged involvement in the fraud scheme.
Police Public Relations Officer, Airport Police Command, Lagos, ASP Mohammed Adeola, explained that preliminary investigations traced the activities of the fraud suspect to 2023. He reportedly became involved after joining a syndicate specialising in romance-related online scams. The group allegedly targeted unsuspecting victims through popular social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, using carefully constructed false identities to gain trust.
Investigators revealed that the fraud suspect allegedly operated under the alias “Travis Kevin,” presenting himself as a white American medical doctor. Using this false persona, he reportedly convinced victims of his professional credibility and emotional vulnerability. In addition, detectives discovered that he created a fake banking domain which displayed fictitious account balances, further reinforcing the illusion of financial legitimacy.
The investigation indicated that victims were persuaded to send funds after the fraud suspect claimed he needed money for feeding and medical supplies. He allegedly told victims he had sustained injuries in the line of duty and promised quick repayment once his supposed accounts were unlocked. Funds were reportedly transferred through cryptocurrency channels, complicating initial tracking efforts and reflecting the evolving sophistication of cyber-enabled crimes.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Airport Police Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, Mnips, PhD, has ordered a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the case. She emphasised that the arrest of the fraud suspect is only the first step, as investigators work to identify, locate, and apprehend other members of the syndicate. According to her, no individual or group will be allowed to compromise security within the airport ecosystem.
CP Ogunbode reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance stance against all forms of criminality, particularly offences that attempt to exploit the aviation environment. She noted that airports serve as critical national and international gateways and must be protected from activities capable of undermining public confidence, passenger safety, and Nigeria’s global aviation reputation.
In addition, the Airport Police Command warned members of the public to exercise caution when engaging with strangers online, especially those who solicit funds under emotional or professional pretences. Authorities stressed that romance scams remain one of the fastest-growing forms of cybercrime, with fraud suspects increasingly using advanced digital tools to deceive victims across borders.
The fraud suspect is expected to be transferred to the Interpol section for continuation of investigation and prosecution. Police sources confirmed that collaboration with international law enforcement agencies will help trace financial flows, identify foreign victims, and dismantle the wider network connected to the fraud operation.
However, security experts note that the arrest demonstrates the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing within Nigeria’s aviation sector. As investigations continue, the Airport Police Command insists that sustained vigilance, inter-agency cooperation, and public awareness remain essential in preventing fraud suspects from exploiting airport facilities for criminal purposes.
