Operatives of the Atan-Ota Division of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested 23 foreign nationals over alleged involvement in a Ponzi scheme, visa scam and other immigration-related offences.

The suspects were arrested at about 11:00 a.m. on August 4, 2026, following intelligence received by the police concerning suspected fraudulent activities at a building located within an estate off Iyana Iyesi, Onipanu-Ota.

The spokesperson for the command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued to journalists in Abeokuta yesterday.

Babaseyi said that acting on credible intelligence, the operatives mobilised, secured and raided a gated residential building in the Onipanu-Ota area, where the 23 foreign nationals were arrested.

“One Malian international passport bearing the name Diakite Alfousseini was recovered during the operation,” he said.

The police spokesperson said preliminary investigations revealed that 21 of the suspects were formally handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service on August 5 for further immigration-related investigation and appropriate action.

He, however, said 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 investigations.

Babaseyi added that investigation was ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged fraudulent activities and identify any other persons connected with the scheme.

Photo and caption: Suspects