Six suspects arrested over illegal courses, admissions and Ponzi scheme
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered a suspected fake university in Imeke, Olorunda Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, rescuing 107 students allegedly deceived through illegal admissions and unaccredited academic programmes.
The operation was carried out by NSCDC personnel at about 6:00 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, following allegations that the institution was running unauthorised courses, including Nursing, and enrolling students into programmes without proper accreditation.
The Lagos State Command of the NSCDC disclosed that six suspects, aged between 24 and 31, were arrested during the raid on the facility located in the Badagry area.
The Corps Public Relations Officer, Oluwaseun Abolurin, said investigations revealed that some students admitted into the institution were later introduced to a Ponzi scheme after being lured with promises of academic opportunities.
He said the arrested suspects and items recovered from the facility had been handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Adedotun Keshinro, warned prospective students to carefully verify admission offers before enrolling in any institution, cautioning that fraudulent operators often exploit the desperation of admission seekers.
He advised young people to be cautious of institutions promising quick academic opportunities without proper verification.
The command also disclosed that 12 other suspects were arrested in separate operations involving alleged illegal migration, human trafficking, Ponzi schemes, cross-border offences and vandalism.
Among those arrested were nationals from Cameroon and Niger Republic, alongside Nigerians. The NSCDC said 10 Cameroonian victims allegedly trafficked into Nigeria were rescued during the operations.
According to the command, the victims had suffered months of exploitation by individuals allegedly involved in human trafficking and illegal migration activities.
One Cameroonian suspect was arrested on Sunday, July 19, 2026, for alleged involvement in a Ponzi scheme and facilitating illegal entry into Nigeria, while another suspect was arrested on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Alafia Community, Itoga Road, Badagry, over alleged human trafficking activities.
Three foreign nationals, including a Nigerien, were also arrested in connection with alleged Ponzi scheme operations, illegal migration and violation of government regulations in the Itoga and Imeke areas of Badagry.
Abolurin added that suspects linked to illegal migration offences would be transferred to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further action.
Meanwhile, the NSCDC confirmed the arrest and prosecution of seven suspects accused of vandalising public school facilities in Ibereko, Badagry.
Five of the suspects were between 12 and 16 years old. They were accused of damaging school property, including desks, electrical cables and office equipment.
The command warned that attacks on public infrastructure, especially educational facilities, would not be tolerated in Lagos State.
