NSCDC Uncovers Fake Lagos University, Rescues 107 Students
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismantled an illegal university operating in the Imeke area of Olorunda Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, rescuing 107 students and arresting six suspects allegedly running the institution.
According to the Lagos State Command of the NSCDC, the operators admitted unsuspecting students into unapproved academic programmes while allegedly compelling them to participate in a Ponzi scheme. The illegal institution was uncovered during a coordinated operation carried out by NSCDC operatives on Monday.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Oluwaseun Abolurin, said the Lagos State Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, ordered that the suspects, alongside exhibits recovered during the operation, be transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for further investigation and possible prosecution. Keshinro urged prospective students and parents to verify the accreditation status of institutions before accepting admission offers, warning that fraudsters often exploit the desperation of admission seekers.
In related operations, the NSCDC arrested 12 additional suspects over offences including illegal migration, human trafficking, cross-border crimes, Ponzi schemes and vandalism. Those arrested include Nigerian, Cameroonian and Nigerien nationals, while 10 Cameroonian victims believed to have been trafficked into Nigeria were rescued. The command said the victims had endured months of exploitation at the hands of their traffickers.
The corps added that suspects linked to illegal migration and related offences would be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further action. It also disclosed that seven individuals have been arrested and prosecuted for vandalising public school facilities in Ibereko, Badagry. Five of the suspects are minors, aged between 12 and 16, and are accused of destroying school property, including desks, electrical cables and office equipment.