Tokyo police have arrested a 53-year-old Nigerian named Nwadiukwu Ikenna. He is suspected of persistent touting in the Kabukicho nightlife area of the city.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department reported this on Friday. Ikenna allegedly approached a passer-by and grabbed the person by the left hand on a street in Kabukicho. This incident happened in the early hours of Thursday, July 9, 2026.
Police say the suspect tried to lure the person to a venue. He reportedly said, “Why don’t you?” and “Don’t be scared. I love you.”
Investigators said Ikenna admitted to trying to solicit customers. He told the police that he got a share of the money spent by customers he brought to a food place.
This arrest comes as complaints about touting have increased in Kabukicho. This area is one of the busiest for entertainment and nightlife in Tokyo.
In the first half of 2026, police received 91 complaints from people who said touts, described as “African-looking,” took them to different places. Many of these victims were forced to pay high charges.
This number has already gone past the 77 complaints recorded for all of 2025. Most complainants during this six-month period were foreign tourists.
The total losses reported by these tourists reached about 100 million yen. One case involved an Australian tourist who claimed to have lost around four million yen.
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