The Ogun State Police Command has arrested eight foreign nationals for allegedly operating a transnational kidnap-for-ransom fraud syndicate that staged abductions and extorted money from victims’ relatives living abroad.
The suspects were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation conducted by detectives from the Ifo Division in Adiyan Town, Agbado, following credible information received on June 6.
According to police authorities, the group allegedly orchestrated a fake kidnapping involving a Mauritanian national, Cheik El-Mehdi, who reportedly contacted family members overseas, claiming he had been abducted in Nigeria and demanding ransom for his release. Investigators said another suspect, Zakaria Zawadogo, a Burkinabè national, reinforced the deception by threatening the victim’s relatives and warning that the purported hostage would be killed if the ransom was not paid.
Police investigations revealed that the alleged kidnapping was entirely staged, with the supposed victim actively participating in the scheme. The operation led to the arrest of eight suspects from Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Republic of Benin.
Authorities disclosed that preliminary findings indicate the group specialized in manipulating family members abroad into making ransom payments through fabricated kidnapping scenarios. Three principal suspects have reportedly confessed to their involvement in the criminal enterprise.
The Ogun State Police Command said the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation, including efforts to determine whether the suspects are linked to other transnational criminal networks operating within and outside Nigeria.
Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni commended the officers involved in the operation, describing the arrests as a significant breakthrough in the fight against organized cross-border crime. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating criminal activities and ensuring the safety and security of residents.
The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, warning that criminal groups are increasingly adopting sophisticated methods to defraud unsuspecting victims and their families.
Investigations are ongoing. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.