Nigerian Police Arrest 23 Foreigners in Ogun Ponzi and Visa Scam Raid
Nigerian police arrested 23 foreign nationals in Ogun State for alleged involvement in a Ponzi scheme, visa scam and immigration offences.
Foreign Nationals Arrested in Ogun Ponzi Scheme Raid
The Ogun State Police Command arrested 23 foreign nationals over alleged involvement in a Ponzi scheme, visa scam and other immigration-related offences in the Onipanu-Ota area of the state. [1] The suspects were arrested last Tuesday at about 11am when operatives of the Atan-Ota Division raided a gated residential building within an estate off Iyana Iyesi, Onipanu-Ota. [1] The operation followed credible intelligence received about suspected fraudulent activities at the location. [1] Personnel promptly mobilised to the area, secured the premises and arrested the 23 suspects for further investigation. [1] One Malian international passport bearing the name Diakite Alfousseini was also recovered during the operation. [1] The command said the suspects were arrested in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme/visa scam and other immigration-related offences. [1] Preliminary investigation was conducted after their arrest. [1]
Handover to Immigration and Pending Prosecution
The command said 21 of the suspects were formally handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service on August 5 for further investigation and appropriate action. [1] The police retained two of the suspects for prosecution over alleged Obtaining by False Pretence and other related offences, subject to the conclusion of the investigation. [1] An investigation was ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged fraudulent activities and identify other persons connected with the scheme. [1] The operation followed credible intelligence received by the police. [1]
NDLEA and Army Seize Cannabis in Edo State
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in collaboration with the Nigerian Army seized 604.5kg of cannabis and launched a manhunt for a suspected drug kingpin in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State. [5] The State Commander of NDLEA disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Benin. [5] The operation was conducted on 5 August at Ewe Luleha, a suspected drug hub in Owan West, where operatives recovered 65 bags of dried weeds that tested positive for skunk cannabis. [5] The command launched a manhunt for the suspected kingpin identified only as Sunday, who reportedly fled during the operation. [5] The commander said the operation formed part of the agency’s renewed efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks across Edo. [5] The operation was also noted in related coverage of enforcement actions in the state. [4]
Additional Drug Suspect Arrests Across Edo
Nine suspected drug peddlers were also arrested in separate operations conducted at various drug hotspots in the state. [5] The suspects comprised five males and four females. [5] The suspects were arrested with varying quantities of cannabis, loud, colorado, methamphetamine and tramadol. [5] The arrests and seizures demonstrated the command’s continued efforts to disrupt the supply and distribution of illicit drugs in Edo. [5]
Ongoing Investigations and Appeals for Public Information
The police revealed that an investigation was ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged fraudulent activities and identify other persons connected with the scheme. [1] The NDLEA commander urged residents to support the agency by providing credible information that could assist in apprehending fleeing suspects and dismantling drug trafficking networks. [5] The commander stated that these arrests and drug seizures not only highlight law enforcement efforts but also signify the increasing need for community involvement in reporting illicit activities. [5] The commander urged members of the public to provide any information that may lead to the apprehension of the fleeing suspects and to support ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking in Edo State. [5] The NDLEA commander assured that investigations into the drug-related activities would continue and that suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law. [5]
What to watch next: Authorities in Ogun State continue to probe the circumstances of the alleged Ponzi scheme and visa scam while the NDLEA tracks the suspected kingpin Sunday and pursues prosecution of the nine additional drug suspects arrested with cannabis, loud, colorado, methamphetamine and tramadol.
