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Ogun Police Rescue Nine Foreign Nationals, Arrest Two in Fraud Syndicate Crackdown

Abeokuta, Ogun State – April 6, 2026  

The Ogun State Police Command has announced the rescue of nine foreign nationals and the arrest of two suspects in connection with a transnational fraud syndicate operating deceptive travel schemes.

According to police sources, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit stormed a hideout in the Owode Egba area of the state following actionable intelligence received through INTERPOL. The operation, carried out around noon on April 6, led to the rescue of a Ghanaian national, 40-year-old Maclaud Owusu, along with eight other victims who were being unlawfully confined.

Investigations revealed that the suspects, identified as Stephen Kwame and Abubakar Sulaimon, were part of an organized criminal group that lured foreign nationals—mostly from Ghana—into Nigeria under the false promise of facilitating travel to Europe. Once in Nigeria, victims were detained, and their mobile phones were used to contact relatives to extort money under false pretenses. Police confirmed that Owusu had already been defrauded of ₵31,000 (Thirty-One Thousand Ghana Cedis) before the intervention.

The rescued victims have been provided with assistance, and Owusu has been reunited with his family. Authorities say efforts are ongoing to reunite the remaining victims with their families and to track down other members of the syndicate. The arrested suspects are expected to face charges once investigations are concluded.

Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the swift response and tactical efficiency of the operatives, highlighting the collaboration with international law enforcement agencies. He reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for criminal activities and assured that syndicates of this nature would be dismantled.

The police urged the public to exercise caution when engaging in international travel arrangements and to verify the authenticity of agents to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes. Citizens were also encouraged to provide timely information to the police through the Command’s emergency lines:  

- Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111  

- Emergency numbers: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, 0708 497 2994  

The statement was issued by DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command.