Four NYSC Members, Eight Polytechnic Students Arrested for Internet Fraud
The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) in Lagos State has arrested 14 individuals, including four National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and eight Gateway Polytechnic students, for their alleged involvement in financial fraud across Lagos and Ogun states. The arrests were carried out on January 15, 2025, in the Sapaade community of Ogun State.
Additionally, two other individuals, identified as an artist and a cobbler, were apprehended during the operation. This was disclosed by PSFU spokesperson Eyitayo Johnson on Monday, following a dialogue with various student union leaders.
Student Union Dialogue
On January 16, 2025, the Commissioner of Police, PSFU, Godwin Omodeinde, met with leaders of student bodies such as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the National Association of Polytechnic Students, the Association of Southern Nigerian Students, and the Gateway Polytechnic Students’ Union Government (GAPOSA).
During the meeting, the Commissioner emphasized the importance of collaboration between the police and students, urging the union leaders to discourage cybercrime among their members and hand over offenders to the authorities. He highlighted the negative implications of Nigeria’s inclusion on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, including:
- Reduced foreign investment
- Increased transaction costs
- Difficulties in international transactions
- Increased regulatory scrutiny
- Loss of government revenue
- Undermining of financial markets
- Reduced cross-border transactions
- Loss of correspondent banking relationships
The student leaders commended the Commissioner for his diplomatic approach and pledged to foster a better relationship between the police and the student community.
Related Incidents
This incident follows a similar case in 2023 when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested 11 Obafemi Awolowo University students in Ile-Ife, Osun State, for alleged involvement in internet fraud.
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