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 Onipanu-Ota area of Ogun State.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, the suspects were apprehended during a raid carried out by operatives of the Atan-Ota Division on a gated residential building located within an estate off Iyana Iyesi, Onipanu-Ota.
The operation took place at about 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2026, following what the police described as credible intelligence about suspected fraudulent activities at the location.
Police personnel were said to have moved quickly to the area, secured the premises and arrested all 23 suspects for further investigation.
During the operation, officers also recovered a Malian international passport bearing the name Diakite Alfousseini.
The command stated that the suspects were being investigated for alleged involvement in a Ponzi scheme, visa fraud and other immigration-related violations.
Preliminary findings led to the transfer of 21 of the suspects to the Nigeria Immigration Service on August 5, 2026 for further investigation and appropriate action.
Police said two suspects were retained for prosecution over allegations of obtaining by false pretence and related offences, pending the conclusion of the investigation.
The command added that efforts are continuing to determine the full scope of the alleged fraudulent activities and to identify any additional individuals connected to the scheme.
