The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) in Lagos State has apprehended four serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and eight students from Gateway Polytechnic, Sapaade, Ogun State, for their alleged involvement in financial fraud. Two additional individuals, whose occupations were disclosed as an artist and a cobbler, were also arrested during the operation conducted on January 15, 2025, in the Sapaade community.
In a statement released on Monday, PSFU spokesperson Eyitayo Johnson confirmed the arrests and detailed the suspects’ alleged activities. The statement noted that the arrests followed investigations into an Internet fraud syndicate operating across Lagos and Ogun states.
Student Union Leaders Visit PSFU Commissioner
The Commissioner of Police, PSFU, Godwin Omodeinde, met with leaders from various student unions on January 16, 2025, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Association of Southern Nigerian Students (ASONIS), and Gateway Polytechnic Students’ Union Government (GAPOSA SUG). The visit aimed to address the concerns surrounding the arrests.
During the meeting, Omodeinde emphasized the importance of collaboration between student union leaders and law enforcement. He urged the unions to educate their members on the consequences of cybercrime and to support efforts to curb misconduct within their ranks.
Implications of Cybercrime on Nigeria’s Global Image
Omodeinde highlighted the broader implications of cybercrime on Nigeria’s international standing, particularly its inclusion on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. He explained that the grey list status results in reduced foreign investment, increased transaction costs, regulatory scrutiny, and a loss of correspondent banking relationships, among other economic challenges.
The PSFU urged student leaders to play an active role in discouraging their members from engaging in cybercrime to protect Nigeria’s reputation and foster economic growth.
Similar Arrests Reported in the Past
The incident brings to mind a similar case in 2023, when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested 11 students from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, for alleged Internet fraud. Those students were apprehended in the Oduduwa Estate area based on intelligence about their involvement in fraudulent activities.
Commendations for Leadership and Diplomacy
Student union leaders commended CP Omodeinde for his diplomatic and fair approach in handling the situation. They acknowledged the importance of fostering a better relationship between the student community and law enforcement, pledging to support efforts aimed at reducing cybercrime among students.
This latest development underscores the ongoing efforts of Nigerian authorities to combat cybercrime and its damaging effects on the nation’s global image and economic stability. The PSFU has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that those involved in fraudulent activities are brought to justice.