The police command in Ogun has raided a residential building and arrested 23 foreign nationals in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme and visa scam in the Ota area.

The suspects were arrested on Tuesday at about 11:00 a.m. by operatives attached to the Atan-Ota Division of the command, according to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, on Monday.

“The raid followed credible intelligence received by the police concerning suspected fraudulent activities at the location.

“The police personnel promptly mobilised, secured the premises and arrested the suspects for further investigation. 23 foreign nationals were arrested in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme, a visa scam and other immigration-related offences.

“After preliminary investigation, 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 said.

The spokesperson said that two suspects were retained by the police for prosecution in connection with obtaining by false pretence and other related offences, subject to the conclusion of the investigation.

Mr Babaseyi said the investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged fraudulent activities and identify any other persons connected with the scheme.

(NAN)