The Ogun State Police Command has arrested 23 foreign nationals over their alleged involvement in a Ponzi scheme, visa fraud and other immigration-related offences in the Onipanu-Ota area of the state.
The Punch reported that the suspects were apprehended on Tuesday at about 11am after operatives of the Atan-Ota Divisional Police Station raided a gated residential building located within an estate off Iyana Iyesi, Onipanu-Ota.
The police said the operation was carried out following credible intelligence concerning alleged fraudulent activities at the premises.
In a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command said its operatives mobilised to the location, secured the premises and arrested the suspects for further investigation.
“One Malian international passport bearing the name Diakite Alfousseini was also recovered during the operation,” the police disclosed.
The command said preliminary investigation conducted after the arrests established that the suspects were allegedly involved in a Ponzi scheme, visa scam and other immigration-related offences.
“The suspects were arrested in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme/visa scam and other immigration-related offences,” the police stated.
Following the initial investigation, 21 of the suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service on August 5 for further investigation and appropriate action.
However, the police retained two suspects for prosecution over alleged obtaining by false pretence and other related offences, pending the conclusion of the investigation.
The command said its investigation was ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the alleged fraudulent activities and identify other individuals who may be connected to the scheme.
The police also reiterated that the operation was based on credible intelligence received concerning suspected fraudulent activities at the location.
