106 Rescued As NSCDC Busts Suspected Fake University In Lagos Apartment

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has uncovered a suspected fake university operating from a three-bedroom apartment in Badagry, Lagos State, rescuing 106 youths allegedly lured with promises of admission into a foreign institution.

The raid followed days of intelligence gathering and surveillance, according to Badagry Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Gbenga Ekunola. 

He said the institution had no official name, registration, signboard or recognised campus but allegedly posed online as a distance-learning centre affiliated with a foreign university.

Preliminary investigations showed the rescued youths, mostly aged between 19 and 24, were recruited from several Nigerian states and neighbouring countries, including Niger, Cameroon and Togo. 

The victims allegedly paid between N200,000 and N1.5 million, while some foreign nationals reportedly paid $400 to $500 for admission and processing.

Investigators also alleged that participants were encouraged to recruit others in exchange for commissions, describing the operation as resembling a Ponzi or chain-marketing scheme. Some were also reportedly involved in promoting unidentified products online for financial rewards.

Ekunola said the rescued youths have been placed in protective custody, while the suspect is assisting investigators. He added that the victims would be profiled and reunited with their families after investigations, while anyone found culpable would face prosecution.

Authorities have also expanded investigations to identify other collaborators and determine whether similar operations exist elsewhere in the country.