The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered a fake university operating in the Imeke area of Olorunda Local Council Development Area in Lagos State, rescuing 107 students and arresting six suspects allegedly linked to illegal admissions, unaccredited academic programmes and a Ponzi scheme.
The discovery was made during an operation conducted by NSCDC operatives at about 6:00 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026. According to the Lagos State Command, the illegal institution, whose name was withheld, was allegedly offering unauthorised courses, including Nursing, while admitting unsuspecting students into programmes that lacked accreditation before compelling them to participate in a Ponzi scheme.
The Corps Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, Oluwaseun Abolurin, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday.
According to the statement, “On Monday, July 20, 2026, at about 6:00 a.m., NSCDC operatives smashed a fake university (name withheld) located in Imeke village, Olorunda Local Council Development Area, suspected of operating illegal admissions and running unaccredited courses, including Nursing.
“The operatives arrested six suspects, aged between 24 and 31 years, in connection with the fake university uncovered in Imeke, Badagry.
“Unfortunately, about 107 unsuspecting students were lured into joining a Ponzi scheme after obtaining admission into the institution.”
The statement added that the Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Adedotun Keshinro, had directed that the suspects and exhibits recovered from the institution be transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Keshinro also urged prospective students to verify admission offers before accepting them, warning that fraudulent operators often exploit desperate admission seekers.
“Students should be wary of desperate admissions, which may later turn into fraudulent schemes because of the desperation of some people to make money,” he said.
The command further disclosed that 12 additional suspects were arrested in separate operations involving alleged illegal migration, human trafficking, Ponzi schemes, cross-border crimes and vandalism.
Among those arrested were a Cameroonian, a Nigerien and several Nigerians, while 10 Cameroonian nationals who were allegedly trafficked into Nigeria were rescued.
According to the statement, the victims “have toiled and suffered for months in the hands of these evil doers, who are only interested in dehumanising their fellow human beings for profit.”
It added, “On Sunday, July 19, 2026, one Cameroonian suspect was arrested in connection with a Ponzi scheme and facilitating illegal entry into Nigeria.
“One more suspect was also arrested on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Alafia Community, Itoga Road, Badagry, in connection with human trafficking and facilitating illegal entry into Nigeria.
“The operatives also arrested three foreign nationals, including one male from the Niger Republic, linked to Ponzi scheme operations, illegal migration and the subversion of extant laws and government policies in the Itoga and Imeke areas of Badagry.”
Abolurin said suspects arrested for illegal migration and related offences would be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further action.
The NSCDC also announced that seven suspects had been arrested and prosecuted for allegedly vandalising public school facilities in Ibereko, Badagry. Five of the suspects were said to be between the ages of 12 and 16.
The suspects allegedly damaged school infrastructure, including desks, electrical cables and office facilities.
“On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at about 2:00 p.m., all seven suspects involved in the vandalism of public utilities and school infrastructure in Ibereko, Badagry, were arrested and prosecuted after investigations were concluded.
“Attacks on school infrastructure will not be tolerated in any form in the state,” the statement added.
Ademide Adebayo
