The Ogun State Police Command has arrested 23 foreign nationals in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme, visa scam and other immigration-related offences in the Ota area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the suspects were arrested by operatives attached to the Atan-Ota Division following credible intelligence received by the police.
He said the suspects were arrested last Tuesday at about 11am during a raid on a gated residential building within an estate off Iyana Iyesi, Onipanu-Ota.
According to him, the operation followed intelligence concerning suspected fraudulent activities at the location.
‘On 4th August, 2026, at about 1100hrs, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Atan-Ota Division raided a gated residential building within an estate off Iyana Iyesi, Onipanu-Ota, where 23 foreign nationals were arrested in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme/visa scam and other immigration-related offences.
‘The operation followed intelligence received by the police concerning suspected fraudulent activities at the location. Police personnel promptly mobilised, secured the premises and arrested the suspects for further investigation,’ he said.
Babaseyi said one Malian international passport bearing the name Diakite Alfousseini was recovered during the operation.
He disclosed that following preliminary investigation, 21 of the suspects were formally handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further immigration-related investigation and appropriate action.
Babaseyi added that two suspects were retained by the police for prosecution in connection with obtaining by false pretence (OBT) and other related offences, subject to the conclusion of investigation.
‘Investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged fraudulent activities and identify any other persons connected with the scheme,’ the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, operatives attached to the Itele Division have arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a locally fabricated cut-to-size double-barrel pistol, criminal charms, a Tecno Android phone and a UBA ATM card.
The spokesperson said the suspect and another person, who is currently at large, allegedly attempted to rob a motorcyclist at gunpoint along the Orji Block area of Itele.
He said the incident occurred on August 3 at about 12:48am after the Itele Division received a distress report from a commercial motorcyclist who alleged that two passengers he had picked up at Three Crown Bus Stop attempted to rob him at gunpoint.
‘Acting swiftly on the distress call, police personnel immediately mobilised to the location, leading to the arrest of Babatunde Olasunkanmi ‘M’, who allegedly pointed a locally fabricated cut-to-size double-barrel pistol at the victim while his accomplice made away with the victim’s red Bajaj motorcycle,’ he said.
Babaseyi added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplice, while the suspect and the exhibits would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for discreet investigation.