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 in the state.
The suspects, identified as Stephen Kwame and Abubakar Sulaimon, were apprehended at their hideout in the Owode Egba area following a coordinated operation based on intelligence received through INTERPOL. The police stormed the location on April 6, 2026, around noon, leading to the rescue of a Ghanaian national, Maclaud Owusu, who had been unlawfully detained alongside eight other victims.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects belong to an organized criminal network that targets foreign nationals, particularly from Ghana, luring them to Nigeria with false promises of facilitating travel to Europe. Upon arrival, victims are reportedly held against their will, while their mobile phones are used to extort money from family members and associates under false pretences. Owusu was said to have been defrauded of 31,000 Ghana Cedis before police intervention.
Police authorities confirmed that all victims have been secured and are receiving necessary assistance, with efforts underway to reunite them with their families. The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue to track down other members of the syndicate, after which they will be charged in court.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their swift and professional response, as well as the collaboration with international law enforcement agencies. He reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for criminal activities and assured residents that efforts are ongoing to dismantle such syndicates across the state.
The Police also urged members of the public to exercise caution when engaging travel agents and to verify the authenticity of any international travel arrangements to avoid falling victim to fraud. Citizens were encouraged to provide credible information through designated emergency lines to aid crime-fighting efforts.
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