Ogun Police smash transnational fraud ring, rescue nine foreign nationals

Cityscope, Crime Diary

ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA, April 7, 2026 (NPA) — The Ogun State Police Command has recorded a breakthrough with the rescue of nine foreign nationals and the arrest of two suspects linked to a transnational fraud syndicate. Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit stormed a hideout in Owode Egba after receiving actionable intelligence from INTERPOL. At the location, officers freed Maclaud Owusu, a 40-year-old Ghanaian national, along with eight others who had been unlawfully confined. The suspects, identified as Stephen Kwame and Abubakar Sulaimon, were arrested at the scene.

Investigations revealed that the syndicate specialised in luring foreign nationals, particularly from Ghana, to Nigeria under the false promise of facilitating travel to Europe. Once in Nigeria, victims were deceived, confined, and their mobile phones were used to contact relatives to extort money. Owusu was defrauded of ₵31,000 before police intervention.

The rescued victims have been provided with immediate assistance, with Owusu already reunited with his family. Efforts are ongoing to reconnect the remaining victims with their loved ones. Authorities confirmed that the suspects will face charges in court once investigations are concluded, while accomplices are being tracked down.

DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, Police Public Relations Officer, in a statement today, praised the swift tactical response of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and highlighted the synergy with international law enforcement agencies. Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the professionalism of the operatives and reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for criminal syndicates, assuring that such networks will be dismantled.

The Command urged citizens, especially those pursuing international travel, to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of agents to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes. Members of the public are encouraged to provide timely and credible information to the Police through the Ogun State Police Command emergency lines: Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111; Emergency numbers: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, and 0708 497 2994.