Ogun Police Bust ₦50.27m Visa Scam, Free 11 Hostage Ghanaians

The Ogun State Police Command has smashed an international visa fraud syndicate and rescued 11 Ghanaian nationals who were held against their will in Sagamu after being lured to Nigeria with false promises of Canadian and Spanish visas.

In a swift, intelligence-driven operation on October 19, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit stormed a hideout in Sagamu and safely freed the victims—seven men and four women. The breakthrough followed actionable intelligence received that day.

According to a statement by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the victims were allegedly deceived by a fellow Ghanaian national who promised to arrange their overseas travel. Each paid GH₵40,000 (approximately ₦4.57 million at prevailing rates) before being brought into Nigeria, where they were confined. Police put the total value of the fraud at ₦50.27 million.

ADVERTISEMENT

The rescued Ghanaians are currently receiving medical care and support from the police. Detectives have intensified efforts to track down and arrest all those linked to the criminal network.

Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni praised the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its prompt response and professionalism. He reaffirmed the Command’s determination to protect lives, dismantle transnational criminal networks and ensure Ogun State does not become a safe haven for those who exploit the hopes of unsuspecting people seeking better opportunities abroad.

“Every credible lead matters, every life matters, and protecting the public remains paramount,” the Command stressed. Ojajuni urged members of the public to thoroughly verify any overseas travel or visa-processing offers before making payments and to promptly report suspicious activities to the police.

The case highlights the growing menace of visa fraud and human trafficking rings that prey on West Africans desperate for opportunities in Europe and North America. Investigations continue as police hunt the masterminds behind the scheme.