Romance scam: 24-year-old man arrested in Lagos for posing as American doctor and defrauding victims of N48.5m

The Airport Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old suspect, Precious Onudhona, for alleged N48.5m romance scam in Lagos.

The spokesperson for the command, ASP Mohammed Adeola, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 said the suspect, from Delta State, posed as an American doctor “Travis Kevin,” on social media to gain the trust of his victims and fraudulently created a fake banking domain displaying fictitious account balances. 

Adeola said Onudhona was arrested on February 2, while attempting to board a flight from Lagos to Asaba, Delta State, following an actionable intelligence. 

The PPRO explained that the suspect claimed the money was for feeding and medical supplies after sustaining injuries in the line of 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 N48,500,000 (Forty-Eight Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira), equivalent to approximately $35,000,” the statement read. 

“The arrest was made on February 2, 2026, following actionable intelligence. The suspect, identified as Precious Onudhona ‘M’, a native of Delta State, was apprehended at the airport while on his way to board a flight to Asaba, Delta State. 

“Initial investigations revealed that the suspect became involved in fraudulent activities in 2023 after joining a syndicate engaged in romance-related scams. 

“The syndicate allegedly targeted unsuspecting victims via social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, using carefully crafted false identities and deceptive narratives. 

“Further findings indicate that the suspect posed as “Travis Kevin,” a white American medical doctor, and fraudulently created a fake banking domain displaying fictitious account balances. 

“He reportedly used this platform to solicit funds from victims under the pretense of repaying them within a short period. The funds were claimed to be needed for feeding and medical supplies after he allegedly sustained injuries in the line of duty which he received through cryptocurrency. 

“The Commissioner of Police, Airport Police Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, Mnips, PhD, has directed that a thorough and comprehensive investigation be conducted to ensure that justice is served and that all other members of the fraud syndicate are identified and apprehended. 

“She reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance stance against all forms of criminality within the airport ecosystem, describing the aviation environment as a highly sensitive corridor that must not be exploited for unlawful activities. 

“The suspect will be transferred to Interpol section for continuation of investigation and prosecution.”