The Badagry Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has exposed a suspect fake University operating from a three bedroom apartment located at Ilado, Olorunda LCDA, while apprehending its proprietor in an intelligence led operation on Monday, 20th July.
The fake institution, despite its lack of an official name, organized campus, registration or authority managed to lure youths in, under the guise of being affiliated with a foreign university, serving as its distance learning institute. It targeted youths desperate for admission into universities abroad and operated on a referral system, with youths recruited from different parts of Nigeria and West Africa at large.
NSCDC confirmed that youths traveled all the way from Oyo, Kogi, and several Northern States to Badagry. Others who came from outside the country reportedly crossed over from Togo, Niger Republic and Cameroon following recruitment online.
School related fees were paid by the victimized youths, from the ranges of N200,000 to N1.5 million by the Nigerians and around $400 to $500 by the foreign youths.
It was also revealed that a total of 106 youths of the male and female gender, aged 19-24 were allegedly tricked into the scheme with fake promises of admission abroad.
They appeared confused about what the future holds after the operation.
Meanwhile, NSCDC also exposed a darker aspect of the scheme which operated like a ponzi as there were financial incentives provided based on the amount of new students brought into the program.
There was also a reveal about some of the victims allegedly pushing out unidentified products online to earn promised percentages.
The Badagry Area Commander of NSCDC, Chief superintendent Gbenga Ekunola addressed the scheme and the high level of deception involved while highlighting that after contact with parents, most were unaware of the activities of their wards in Badagry.
He also commented about the raid operation
“We got reliable intelligence about the activities going on there. Our officers monitored the place for days before moving in. We have arrested the propietor, who is assisting with our investigation, while the students have been taken into our protective custody,” he commented.
He also ascertained that the rescued victims would be profiled properly before being reunited with their families and guardians upon the investigation’s conclusion as investigations remain ongoing, promising lawful prosecution to those found culpable.