Detectives in Ogun State have uncovered a transnational syndicate behind a staged kidnapping scheme and arrested eight foreign nationals accused of extorting ransom from victims’ families abroad, police said on Sunday.
The arrests were made June 6 during an intelligence-led operation in Adiyan, Agbado area of Ogun State by detectives from the Ifo Division led by CSP Olabisi Kamorudeen, Divisional Police Officer.
According to a statement made available to Journalists on Monday by the Spokesman of the State Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi , the case began after an informant reported that Cheik El-Mehdi, 23, a Mauritanian national, had contacted his family in May 2026 claiming he was kidnapped in Nigeria and demanding ransom. Another suspect, Zakaria Zawadogo, 34, of Burkina Faso, allegedly reinforced the demand with threats to kill the victim.
“Upon receipt of the complaint, detectives of Ifo Division immediately activated an intelligence-driven investigation,” the Ogun State Police Command said in a statement. “This swift response proved decisive in uncovering the location of the suspects and preventing what could have resulted in a successful cross-border financial crime.”
Technical intelligence traced the group to a hideout in Adiyan. Zawadogo was arrested first and led detectives to the hideout, where El-Mehdi, Suren Neta, 25, of Ivory Coast, and five others were taken into custody.
The eight suspects are: Zawadogo; El-Mehdi; Neta; Koffi Breno, 36, Ivory Coast; Gondo Treso, 32, Ivory Coast; Kunuji Ezekiel, 27, Republic of Benin; Kougasi John, Ivory Coast; and Hemue Blinsi, 30, Ivory Coast.
Preliminary findings show the “kidnapping” was staged to defraud El-Mehdi’s family. Police said Neta lured El-Mehdi into Nigeria, Zawadogo coordinated ransom demands and issued threats, while the purported victim actively participated in the plot.
Zawadogo, El-Mehdi and Neta have confessed to conspiracy, police said. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation to determine links to other transnational networks.
Ogun State Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni commended the detectives’ professionalism and intelligence-led response. He said the case highlights “the increasing sophistication of transnational criminal activities” and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to proactive policing and cross-border collaboration.
Ojajuni urged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, especially staged kidnappings or ransom demands.
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