Police bust transnational fraud ring, rescue nine foreign victims in Ogun

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

Operatives of the anti-kidnapping Unit 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, Stephen Kwame and Abubakar Sulaimon, were apprehended at their hideout in Owode Egba, in Obafemi-Owode local government area of the State, following intelligence-driven operations.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babasеyi, the breakthrough was recorded on April 6, 2026, after actionable intelligence was received through INTERPOL.

Babaseyi stated, “at about 1200hrs, operatives swiftly mobilized and stormed the identified criminal hideout where one Maclaud Owusu, a 40-year-old Ghanaian national, was being unlawfully held.”

He added that “the operation led to the successful rescue of the victim unhurt alongside eight other victims held under similar circumstances.”

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are part of an organized criminal syndicate that specializes in luring 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,” Babaseyi added.

The principal victim, Owusu, was reportedly defrauded of thirty-one thousand Ghana Cedis before police intervention.

The suspects were arrested at the scene, while the victims have been secured and provided with necessary assistance.

He confirmed that Owusu has been reunited with his family, while efforts are ongoing to reunite other rescued victims with their respective families.

The Command also noted that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate, adding that the suspects will be charged in court upon conclusion of the investigation.

Reacting to the development, the State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the professionalism and swift response of the operatives, as well as collaboration with international law enforcement agencies.

He reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for criminality, assuring that “such syndicates will be decisively dismantled.”

The police, however, urged members of the public—particularly those seeking international travel opportunities—to exercise due diligence and verify the authenticity of agents to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.