Suspected members of a transnational fraud syndicate recently arrested in Ogun State have told investigators that their operations were allegedly controlled by a Malaysian national who coordinated activities remotely through online platforms.
The suspects made the disclosure during separate confessional statements obtained following their arrest by operatives of the Ogun State Police Command in the Agbado area of Ifo Local Government Area.
The police had earlier alleged that the group operated under a networking scheme known as “Ignite,” which reportedly lured foreign nationals to Nigeria with promises of financial prosperity and lucrative business opportunities.
According to the command, the syndicate recruited individuals from several African countries, convincing them to pay for products that were never delivered while encouraging them to enlist more participants into the network.
The police also linked the group to an alleged fake kidnap plot involving a Mauritanian national, identified as Cheikh Mhedy, through which suspects allegedly attempted to obtain 6.5 million CFA Franc from his family.
One of the suspected leaders of the network, 34-year-old Zadariah Sawadogo from Burkina Faso, claimed the entire operation was directed by a Malaysian national whom members had never met physically.
Sawadogo said he arrived in Nigeria in 2023 in search of better opportunities before being introduced to the Ignite scheme by a friend.
According to him, members were promised substantial earnings through referrals and the purchase of products allegedly supplied by the overseas coordinator.
He claimed that despite investing heavily in the scheme, including funds sent by his father after the sale of family property, the promised products never arrived.
Sawadogo alleged that participants were repeatedly informed that additional recruits and payments were required before shipments could be dispatched from Malaysia.
He further stated that apart from a modest referral payment, he did not receive any significant return on his investment before his arrest.
Another suspect, 25-year-old Sole Nata, admitted introducing Mhedy to the scheme after the pair developed a relationship online.
She claimed the Mauritanian travelled to Nigeria to participate in the business but lacked sufficient funds to purchase the products, prompting her to contribute money on his behalf.
Nata, however, alleged that Mhedy masterminded the fake abduction narrative used to solicit funds from his father, insisting that members of the group initially considered the ransom demand excessive.
Also speaking, a Togolese national, Kuneji Ezekiel, described himself as a victim rather than a beneficiary of the operation.
Ezekiel said he joined the network after being promised financial success but never received the products he paid for.
He disclosed that dozens of individuals lived together in the apartment used by the group, while communication with the alleged Malaysian coordinator was handled exclusively by selected leaders.
Reacting to the development, the Ogun State Police Command warned residents and foreign nationals to exercise caution when approached with investment and networking schemes that promise unrealistic returns.
The command reiterated its commitment to dismantling criminal networks operating under the guise of legitimate businesses and protecting residents from fraudulent activities.
Police spokesperson, CSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, also revealed that preliminary investigations indicated that some of those apprehended appeared to be victims who had been recruited into the scheme rather than active organisers.
He added that such individuals had been transferred to the Nigerian Immigration Service for profiling and further administrative action as investigations continue.