Police arrest suspect in Lagos job interview scam

The Lagos State Police Command nabbed a suspect in connection with an alleged robbery scam in which job hopefuls were duped into attending a bogus interview in the Magodo area of the state and then robbed of their belongings.

The incident was brought to public notice by a viral video uploaded on social media last week, raising concerns about the growing use of complex frauds targeting naive job candidates.

In a video shared on April 10 by an X user known as @General_Somto, numerous people presumed to be victims were seen huddled in panic, with some grasping their heads in surprise.

One of the victims recounted the experience, cautioning others to be wary of suspicious job offers.

“Nigerians, let’s be careful out there… Not all job offers are legit. We went for a job interview in Magodo, Lagos only to be robbed. They took our phones, money, and everything we had on us,” she said.

Further details shared by viewers indicated that the arrangement initially appeared credible, as the interview was conducted in a seemingly organised setting that did not raise immediate suspicion.

However, the victims alleged that they were briefly asked to step outside, only to return and discover that their personal belongings, including mobile phones, cash, and other valuables, had been stolen.

Confirming the development, the Lagos State Police Command said the case had been reported and was under active investigation.

“The Command confirms that the incident captured in the viral video is under investigation. The case was reported at about 11:00 p.m. on April 9, 2026.

“One suspect is currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice,” the statement read.

The police advised members of the public to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of job opportunities before attending interviews, particularly those advertised online.

Job seekers were also encouraged to confirm company details through official channels, avoid unfamiliar or isolated venues, and inform trusted individuals of their whereabouts before attending such engagements.