Airport Police Arrest Suspected Romance Scammer Attempting to Flee

There is something unsettling about scams built on emotion. People don’t just lose money. They lose trust.

The Airport Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man suspected of participating in a large-scale romance scam estimated at N48.5 million, roughly $35,000.

According to a statement released in Lagos by the Command’s spokesperson, ASP Mohammed Adeola, the suspect was apprehended on Monday while attempting to board a flight to Asaba. Officers from the Anti-Fraud Unit reportedly acted on credible intelligence before making the arrest.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect joined a fraud syndicate in 2023 that specialized in romance scams. The group allegedly used fake social media profiles and carefully crafted stories to deceive victims on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

Authorities say the suspect posed as a white American doctor under the name “Travis Kevin.” To strengthen the illusion, he allegedly created a fake online banking platform that displayed fabricated account balances.

Investigators believe he requested money from victims after falsely claiming he had been injured while working and urgently needed funds for food and medical care, promising repayment later. The payments were reportedly made through bitcoin channels.

Commissioner of Police for the Airport Command, Mrs. Olufunke Ogunbode, has ordered a comprehensive investigation and directed officers to track down other members of the syndicate.

She reaffirmed the command’s zero-tolerance stance on criminal activity within aviation spaces, emphasizing that airports are critical facilities that must not be exploited for illegal operations.

Police also disclosed that the suspect will be transferred to the Interpol section for further investigation and possible prosecution.