24-year-old fake American doctor romance scam
Operatives of the Airport Police Command in Lagos have arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with a large-scale fraud scheme involving an alleged ₦48.5 million romance scam that targeted unsuspecting victims through social media platforms. 
The suspect, identified as Precious Onudhona, was apprehended on February 2, 2026, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while attempting to board a flight to Asaba, Delta State, following “actionable intelligence” received by the Police’s Anti-Fraud Unit. 
Preliminary investigations reveal that the fraud scheme began in 2023, when Onudhona allegedly joined a syndicate specialised in online romance scams. The group is accused of using fabricated identities and deceptive narratives to win the trust of victims on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram before soliciting large sums of money. 
In this case, police say Onudhona posed as “Travis Kevin,” a white American medical doctor, creating a fake banking domain with fictitious account balances to convince victims of his credibility and financial stability. 
How the Alleged Scam Worked
According to investigators, the suspect used the false identity to engage victims emotionally over time before requesting money under false pretences. Onudhona is said to have claimed he needed funds for feeding and medical supplies after purportedly sustaining injuries “in the line of duty” — a common tactic in romance scams where fraudsters invent urgent personal needs to extract money. 
Police allege that the funds were transferred through cryptocurrency channels, which are often used in such schemes because of their perceived anonymity and difficulty for authorities to trace. 
The total value of the alleged fraud is estimated at ₦48,500,000, or roughly $35,000, making it a substantial romance scam by local standards. 
Background: Romance Scams in Context
Romance scams are a well-documented variant of advance-fee fraud, where perpetrators build trust with victims by posing as romantic interests and later request money for fabricated emergencies. Globally, these schemes have defrauded millions of dollars from victims using similar tactics of emotional manipulation and fictitious credentials. 
Fraud schemes of this nature often involve fake profiles, invented professional titles, and phony financial proof — all designed to create the impression of stability and legitimacy. In Nigeria, such scams are sometimes associated with broader cybercrime syndicates, and law enforcement agencies regularly warn the public about online fraud that begins with social media contact. 
Romance scams have also been linked to “419” or advance-fee schemes in which victims are asked to pay one or more fees with the promise of a large return that never materialises. 
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Police Statement and Investigation
The Public Relations Officer of the Airport Police Command, ASP Mohammed Adeola, confirmed the arrest and said it was part of sustained efforts to prevent criminal elements from exploiting the aviation environment and the sensitive nature of airport corridors, where fraud suspects sometimes attempt to flee after committing crimes. 
Commissioner of Police Ogunbode Olufunke has ordered a comprehensive and detailed investigation to ensure all members of the alleged syndicate are identified, located, and brought to justice. 
She emphasised that airports and aviation facilities should not be safe havens for unlawful activities, reiterating the command’s zero-tolerance stance against fraud, and announced that the suspect would be transferred to the Interpol Section for further investigation and possible prosecution. 
Previous Operations and Broader Crackdowns
The arrest comes amid a broader law enforcement effort against internet fraud and romance scams within Nigeria and internationally. In January 2026, the Airport Police Command detained another suspected fraudster accused of defrauding foreign victims of over ₦1 billion. Such operations have included intelligence-led surveillance, cross-agency cooperation, and targeted interceptions. 
In late 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) also detained hundreds of suspected members of crypto-romance fraud networks in large-scale raids in Lagos and other cities, underscoring the persistence and scale of online fraud schemes in recent years. 
What This Means for Nigerians
The arrest of a 24-year-old alleged romance scam suspect raises several concerns:
• It highlights the vulnerabilities of online dating and social platforms, which scammers exploit to target emotionally and financially vulnerable individuals.
• It shows how fraudsters craft sophisticated cover stories — including fake professionals and elaborate fake banking setups — to defraud victims of significant sums.
• It points to the need for ongoing public education on how to avoid online fraud and recognise red flags before financial loss occurs.
Police and cybersecurity experts often warn that fraud prevention is both a law enforcement and public awareness issue. Victims of romance scams can face not only financial loss but emotional trauma and mistrust of legitimate online interactions.
Voices from Law Enforcement and Cybercrime Experts
Law enforcement officials often note that online fraud trends evolve with technology and social platforms, requiring coordinated responses from domestic and international agencies. Cooperation with INTERPOL and financial crime units has become more frequent as syndicates increasingly target cross-border victims.
Experts also underscore that cryptocurrency use in fraud complicates efforts to trace transactions, even as authorities develop better tools for monitoring and prosecution.
The Human Toll of Romance Scams
Romance scams are not just financial crimes — they are emotional breaches. Many victims report deep psychological effects, including anxiety, shame, and loss of trust in online communities. While police pursue suspects like Onudhona, support structures for victims — such as counselling and fraud recovery guidance — remain limited in many parts of Nigeria.
Each case of fraud affects multiple families and economic relationships, and successful prosecutions can help deter would-be fraudsters while giving victims hope of justice.
The Bottom Line
The arrest of the 24-year-old man over a ₦48.5 million romance scam in Lagos is a reminder of the sophistication and scale of online fraud schemes targeting Nigerians and residents alike. The suspect’s alleged use of a fake identity as an American medical doctor underscores how confidence tricks are evolving. Law enforcement agencies are now responding with intelligence-led operations expected to uncover and dismantle syndicates behind such scams.
For anyone using social media or dating platforms, caution and vigilance remain essential — and authorities warn that no amount of communication should override careful verification and skepticism when money is involved.
