The Ogun State Police Command has arrested 23 foreign nationals in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme/visa scam and immigration-related offences in Onipanu-Ota area of the state.
The arrest was made on August 4,l by operatives of the Atan-Ota Division, according to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, on Monday.
Babaseyi said the operation, which took place at about 11:00 am, was carried out at a gated residential building within an estate off Iyana Iyesi, Onipanu-Ota, following credible intelligence on suspected fraudulent activities at the location.
“Police personnel promptly mobilised, secured the premises and arrested the suspects for further investigation,” the statement reads in part.
During the operation, one Malian international passport bearing the name Diakite Alfousseini was recovered.
Following preliminary investigation, the command said 21 of the suspects were formally handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service on August 5, 2026, for further immigration-related investigation and appropriate action.
However, 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.
The police said investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged fraudulent activities and to identify any other persons connected with the scheme.
(The Sun)