Ondo Police Nab Man Over Fake Police Academy Admission Scam

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspected fraudster believed to be the mastermind of a fake admission syndicate targeting the Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC), Wudil, Kano.

The suspect, identified as Samson Olamilekan Owolade, a native of Ipogun in Akure, was apprehended on Thursday after credible intelligence linked him to a growing online scam offering fraudulent admission slots. Investigators said the scheme was run through misleading social media posts and online platforms designed to exploit desperate applicants seeking entry into the academy.

Findings revealed that Owolade operated a WhatsApp group called “NPA RC12 Guide and Updates” with more than 370 members, at least 100 of whom are believed to have already fallen victim. He was also behind a Facebook page, “POLAC UPDATES GROUP”, which authorities said was used to spread false information and defamatory content against the institution.

Operatives of the Cybercrime Unit tracked and arrested the suspect within an hour of receiving the report. A preliminary search led to the recovery of several mobile phones, laptops, internet routers, and SIM cards allegedly used in carrying out the fraudulent activities.

Police sources confirmed that Owolade has confessed to the crime and will be transferred to the Nigeria Police Academy in Wudil for further investigation and prosecution.

Confirming the arrest in a statement on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, said efforts were underway to apprehend other members of the network. He also urged parents and prospective candidates to disregard unofficial individuals or groups promising admission into the academy, stressing that all admissions are strictly merit-based and processed only through official channels.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of its institutions and ensuring that young Nigerians aspiring to careers in law enforcement are not deceived by fraudulent schemes.