Lagos Police Arrest Suspected International Certificate Forgers

“Discover how Lagos police apprehended two international fraud suspects specializing in forging certificates from African and international universities. Learn more about the investigation and their arrest.“

The Lagos State Police Command recently apprehended two suspected international fraudsters allegedly involved in forging certificates from prominent African and international universities. The suspects, identified as Elvis Osakpolo Edokpain and Kelly Osas Endgieen, reportedly targeted unsuspecting victims online, reaping significant financial rewards, which they used to purchase luxury vehicles and build mansions across Nigeria.

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How They Were Caught

According to reliable sources at Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos, the suspects’ fraudulent activities came to light after the Anti-Corruption Unit received credible intelligence from outside Nigeria. The information revealed that the suspects were part of a syndicate specializing in forging foreign certificates for illegal purposes.

In response, Adegoke Fayoude, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, directed the Anti-Corruption Unit to act swiftly. Following his instructions, detectives tracked the suspects to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, upon their arrival.

The operation intensified when detectives trailed the suspects to a five-star hotel in Osapa-London, Lekki. However, the suspects attempted to evade arrest by leaving the hotel, only to be accosted by the police at a nearby bus stop.

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Evidence Recovered

A search of the suspects’ belongings revealed multiple forged documents, including:

• A certificate from Blue Crest College, Ghana, linked to Elvis Osakpolo Edokpain.
• A student identity card from Academic City College, belonging to Kelly Osas.
• A transcript of academic records from Blue Crest University, also linked to Elvis.
• Additional documents, including a letter of English proficiency and a recommendation letter from Blue Crest College.

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Confession and Police Statement

During interrogation, the suspects admitted they had never been admitted to the institutions mentioned in their documents. They confessed to procuring the forged certificates through a Nigerian woman based in Ghana.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are determined to track down others involved in the certificate forgery syndicate.

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Why This Matters

The apprehension of these suspects underscores the growing issue of academic fraud in Africa and the need for stricter measures to combat such practices. Forged certificates not only tarnish the reputation of legitimate institutions but also undermine trust in educational qualifications.

The Lagos State Police Command has assured the public of its continued commitment to addressing such crimes and protecting citizens from fraudulent activities.

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Final Note

This arrest serves as a warning to other individuals engaging in similar fraudulent activities. Authorities are working tirelessly to ensure that such crimes are eradicated, safeguarding the credibility of both local and international institutions.

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