POLICE EXPOSE CROSS- BORDER KIDNAP HOAX SYNDICATE OPERATING FROM OGUN HIDEOUT

POLICE EXPOSE CROSS- BORDER KIDNAP HOAX SYNDICATE OPERATING FROM OGUN HIDEOUT 


By Jennifer Nwosu 

Police authorities in Ogun State have  uncovered what it describes as a sophisticated transnational fraud scheme involving a staged kidnapping designed to extort ransom payments from family members abroad.

In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, detectives attached to the Ifo Division, under the leadership of Divisional Police Officer CSP Olabisi Kamorudeen, arrested eight foreign nationals following an intelligence-led operation in Adiyan Town, Agbado. According to the statement, the suspects allegedly orchestrated a fake abduction and ransom demand targeting relatives outside Nigeria.

The investigation began after a report received on June 6th, 2026, from an informant who disclosed that Cheik El-Mehdi, a 23-year-old Mauritanian national, had contacted his family in May claiming he had been kidnapped in Nigeria and required ransom money for his release. Police said another suspect, Zakaria Zawadogo, a 34-year-old Burkina Faso national, allegedly reinforced the demand and threatened that the purported victim would be killed if payment was not made.

Acting on technical intelligence and sustained surveillance, detectives traced the operation to a hideout in Adiyan Town. Zawadogo was arrested first and subsequently led investigators to the location where El-Mehdi and six other foreign nationals were taken into custody.
Those arrested include Zakaria Zawadogo (Burkina Faso), Cheik El-Mehdi (Mauritania), Suren Neta (Côte d’Ivoire), Koffi Breno (Côte d’Ivoire), Gondo Treso (Côte d’Ivoire), Kunuji Ezekiel (Republic of Benin), Kougasi John (Côte d’Ivoire) and Hemue Blinsi (Côte d’Ivoire).

Preliminary findings indicate that the alleged victim actively participated in the scheme. Investigators further allege that Suren Neta lured El-Mehdi into Nigeria, while Zawadogo coordinated the ransom demands. Police said the principal suspects have confessed to their roles, while efforts continue to determine whether the group has links to other international criminal networks.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

The Ogun State Commissioner of Police CP Bode Ojajuni commended the detectives for what he described as a professional and intelligence-driven operation. He noted that the case highlights the evolving nature of transnational crime and reaffirmed the Command's commitment to tackling organized criminal activities.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, especially incidents involving alleged kidnappings and ransom demands.
Emergency Contacts:
Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111
Emergency Lines: 0906 283 7609
0912 014 1706
0915 102 7369
0708 497 2994

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