Police dismantle transnational fraud ring in Ogun, rescue nine foreign nationals
Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have dismantled a transnational fraud syndicate operating under the guise of a travel assistance scheme, rescuing nine foreign nationals and arresting two suspects
- By Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta
Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have dismantled a transnational fraud syndicate operating under the guise of a travel assistance scheme, rescuing nine foreign nationals and arresting two suspects in a coordinated operation.
The operation was carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit following intelligence provided through INTERPOL.
Acting on the tip-off, officers raided a hideout in the Owode Egba area, where the victims were found held against their will.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday night that one of the rescued victims, a Ghanaian national, Maclaud Owusu, 40, had been lured to Nigeria with promises of travel facilitation to Europe.
Investigations showed that Owusu was defrauded of 31,000 Ghana cedis before being rescued unharmed alongside eight others in similar circumstances.
Babaseyi said the suspects, identified as Stephen Kwame and Abubakar Sulaimon, were arrested at the scene.
Preliminary findings indicate that the syndicate targeted foreign nationals, particularly Ghanaians, with fraudulent travel offers. Victims were reportedly confined on arrival, while their phones were used to solicit money from relatives under false pretences.
He added that the rescued individuals are currently receiving care, while efforts are underway to reunite them with their families. Owusu has already been reconnected with his relatives.
"Investigation reveals that the suspects are members of an organized criminal syndicate that lures foreign nationals, particularly from Ghana, to Nigeria under the false promise of facilitating their travel to Europe. Upon arrival, the victims are deceived, confined, and their mobile phones are used to contact relatives and associates to demand money under false pretences.
"The principal victim, Maclaud Owusu ‘M’, was defrauded of the sum of Thirty-One Thousand Ghana Cedis (₵31,000) before police intervention.
Read Also: Police detain officers over harassment in Lagos
"The suspects were arrested at the scene, while the victims have been secured and provided with necessary assistance. The principal victim has since been reunited with his family, while efforts are ongoing to reunite the other rescued victims with their respective families," Babaseyi stated.
Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their professionalism and rapid response, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in tackling cross-border crime.
He reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for criminal networks and assured that all accomplices would be brought to justice.
The suspects are expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The police also urged the public to exercise caution when making international travel arrangements, advising thorough verification of agents to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
