Ogun Police Rescue 11 Ghanaians from Visa Scam Hostage Situation

In late October, Ogun State Police received intelligence that a group of Ghanaian nationals had been lured into Nigeria under the pretense of securing Canadian and Spanish visas. Each individual reportedly paid a fee of GHC40,000 before being transported to Sagamu, where they were held against their will. The scheme was orchestrated by a fellow Ghanaian who promised assistance with overseas travel.

On 19 October, the Anti‑Kidnapping Unit carried out an intelligence‑led raid on a suspected hideout in Sagamu. The operation was coordinated with actionable information that identified the location of the hostages. Police officers entered the premises and secured the area before freeing the 11 victims.

The rescued group consisted of seven men and four women. They were reported to be in distress after being held in the facility for an unspecified period. Following their release, the police provided medical attention and psychological support to help them recover from the ordeal.

DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command’s spokesperson, stated that preliminary investigations linked the victims to a Ghanaian national who had promised visa facilitation. He also noted that detectives were intensifying efforts to locate and apprehend members of the criminal network involved in the scam. Commissioner Bode Ojajuni praised the unit for its swift action and reiterated the police’s commitment to protecting citizens from transnational crime.

The command urged the public to verify any overseas travel arrangements before making payments and to report suspicious activities. It also warned that Ogun State would not tolerate criminal operations that exploit the hopes of unsuspecting individuals. Police are continuing investigations into the network that orchestrated the scam, with the aim of bringing those responsible to justice.