A 24-year-old man accused of running a sophisticated online romance scam while posing as an American medical doctor has been arrested in Lagos, with police saying the fraud cost unsuspecting victims at least ₦48.5 million.
The suspect was intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport while allegedly attempting to leave Lagos for Asaba, Delta State, after security operatives received intelligence linking him to a coordinated fraud network.
Police authorities say the arrest shows the size of the problem associated with the use of social media platforms and digital payment channels for large-scale romance scams targeting both local and foreign victims.
According to investigators, the suspect allegedly operated under multiple fake online identities designed to create trust, emotional attachment, and a false sense of legitimacy.
The Lagos Airport Command of the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that the arrest followed weeks of surveillance by its Anti-Fraud Unit.
How the Romance Scam Allegedly Operated
Police spokesperson, ASP Mohammed Adeola, said the suspect was apprehended on Monday following actionable intelligence.
“The suspect was intercepted while attempting to board a flight to Asaba,” Adeola said.
Investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly joined a fraud syndicate in 2023 and specialized in romance scams conducted through Facebook and Instagram.
Using the alias “Travis Kevin,” the suspect allegedly posed as a white American medical doctor working overseas.
Police said he cultivated online relationships with victims before requesting financial assistance under various pretenses.
“He created a fake banking website displaying false account balances to convince victims of his credibility,” a police source disclosed.
Victims were allegedly persuaded to send money for supposed medical bills, feeding expenses, and emergency needs.
Investigators said most payments were routed through cryptocurrency channels to make the transactions harder to trace.
According to police estimates, the total amount fraudulently obtained through the scheme stood at about ₦48.5 million.
Authorities say the suspect used emotional manipulation, staged emergencies, and professional impersonation to sustain the fraud over time.
Police Warn Against Criminal Use of Airports
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Lagos Airport Command, Mrs. Olufunke Ogunbode, ordered a full-scale investigation into the matter.
She stressed that airports remain high-security zones that must not be exploited for criminal activity.
“Airports are sensitive facilities and will not be allowed to serve as escape routes for criminal elements,” she said.
Ogunbode added that the command would continue to strengthen intelligence-led policing to detect and disrupt fraud networks.
Police confirmed that the suspect would be transferred to the Interpol Unit for further investigation and prosecution.
The handover is expected to allow authorities to trace potential international links, additional victims, and other members of the alleged syndicate.
Law enforcement officials say romance scams have become one of the fastest-growing cybercrime trends in Nigeria.
They warned social media users to be cautious when engaging with strangers who request money or promote urgent financial needs.
Cybercrime awareness resources are also available via Interpol’s public safety portal at https://www.interpol.int.
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