Police arrest 4 corps members, 8 students for internet fraud
The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) in Lagos State has arrested at least four serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and eight students from Gateway Polytechnic, Sapaade, Ogun State, for their alleged involvement in financial fraud across Lagos and Ogun states.
According to journalists, the arrests took place on January 15, 2025, during an operation in Sapaade, Ogun State. Alongside the students and corps members, two individuals of unknown occupation, who claimed to be an artist and a cobbler, were also detained.
Eyitayo Johnson, the spokesperson for the PSFU, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Monday. On January 16, 2025, various student union leaders visited the PSFU Commissioner of Police, Godwin Omodeinde, to discuss the incident.
The student unions involved included the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), the Association of Southern Nigerian Students (ASNS), and the Gateway Polytechnic Students’ Union Government (GAPOSA).
The statement outlined that the arrested individuals, aged 18-28, were suspected members of an internet fraud syndicate operating within Lagos and Ogun states. The group consisted of eight Gateway Polytechnic students, four NYSC members, and two others with unclear occupations.
During the meeting with the student leaders, Commissioner Omodeinde emphasized the importance of a strong partnership between student unions and the Nigeria Police. He urged the student leaders to continue safeguarding their members’ welfare while ensuring those involved in criminal activities are handed over to the authorities.
The Commissioner also highlighted the detrimental effects of cybercrime on Nigeria’s international standing, particularly its impact on the country’s position on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. He explained that the grey listing leads to reduced foreign investment, higher transaction costs, difficulties in international trade, and a loss of correspondent banking relationships, among other negative consequences.
The student union leaders praised CP Omodeinde for his diplomatic approach, which they believed would improve relations between the police and the student community.
This arrest follows a similar operation in 2023, where the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) apprehended 11 Obafemi Awolowo University students in Ile-Ife, Osun State, for suspected involvement in internet fraud based on actionable intelligence.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
