Police Arrest Man Allegedly Scamming and Raping Female Students with Fake Overseas Opportunities

A 33-year-old man, Joshua, has been arrested by the Ondo State Police Command over allegations of fraud, rape, and human trafficking targeting female students. Authorities say he allegedly lured students from tertiary institutions through a WhatsApp group, offering promises of overseas travel and lucrative job opportunities.

According to the police, intelligence reports led them to Joshua’s residence in the Alagbaka area of Akure, where officers from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit rescued the victims and arrested him. Investigation revealed that Joshua had created a WhatsApp group, shared links on his status, and contacted female students directly, claiming he could facilitate international travel and assist with obtaining passports and visas.

Police said Joshua invited students to his home, collected money, and reportedly asked them to remove their clothes under the pretext of medical examinations. Some students told investigators that he approached them during school events, including convocations, presenting himself as a government-endorsed agent helping students.

Joshua, who identified himself as a Christian missionary, is alleged to have collected approximately N4.5 million from victims and privately messaged some to visit his residence. Following his arrest, 15 victims came forward with their experiences, including two who alleged rape. Authorities recovered documents, application forms, and photocopies of passport biodata pages during a search of his home.

During interrogation, Joshua admitted to the scam and acknowledged sexual relationships with two victims, claiming they were consensual. He has since been charged to court.