By our Reporter
Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have rescued nine foreign nationals and arrested two suspects linked to a transnational fraud syndicate operating a deceptive travel scheme.
The suspects, identified as Stephen Kwame and Abubakar Sulaimon, were apprehended at their hideout in the Owode Egba area of the state.
The breakthrough followed actionable intelligence from INTERPOL, which prompted operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to storm the location on April 6, 2026.
During the operation, the police rescued one Maclaud Owusu, a 40-year-old Ghanaian national, alongside eight other victims who were allegedly held under similar conditions.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are part of an organised criminal network that lures foreign nationals, particularly from Ghana, to Nigeria with false promises of facilitating travel to Europe.
Upon arrival, victims are reportedly deceived, confined, and forced to surrender their mobile phones, which are then used to contact relatives and associates to demand money under false pretences.
Police disclosed that the principal victim, Owusu, was defrauded of 31,000 Ghana cedis before the intervention of security operatives.
The suspects were arrested at the scene, while the rescued victims have been placed under protective care. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to reunite the remaining victims with their families.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism, as well as the collaboration with international law enforcement agencies.
He reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for criminal activities, assuring that all members of the syndicate would be tracked down and brought to justice.
Ojajuni also urged members of the public, especially those seeking international travel opportunities, to verify the authenticity of agents and avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
