🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Ogun State Police arrest eight foreigners for alleged fake kidnapping and extortion scheme
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested eight foreign nationals suspected of involvement in a transnational criminal syndicate that staged kidnappings to extort ransom from families abroad. DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command’s spokesperson, stated that detectives from the Ifo Division uncovered the operation following intelligence-led investigations. The suspects were apprehended in Adiyan Town, Agbado area, after police received intelligence on June 6, 2026, about a reported kidnapping that was later found to be staged. The report indicated that Cheik El-Mehdi, a 23-year-old Mauritanian national, contacted his family in May 2026, claiming he had been kidnapped in Nigeria and demanding ransom. Another suspect, Zakaria Zawadogo, allegedly reinforced the demand with threats. The investigation led operatives to a hideout where the suspects were tracked and arrested. Those arrested include Zakaria Zawadogo Burkina Faso, Cheik El-Mehdi Mauritania, Suren Neta Ivory Coast, Koffi Breno Ivory Coast, Gondo Treso Ivory Coast, Kunuji Ezekiel Republic of Benin, Kougasi John Ivory Coast, and Hemue Blinsi Côte d’Ivoire. Preliminary findings suggest Suren Neta lured Cheik El-Mehdi into Nigeria, while Zakaria Zawadogo coordinated ransom demands. The purported victim was also found to have actively participated in orchestrating the fake abduction. The principal suspects have confessed, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department. Commissioner of Police, B
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadMrs. Rachael Alamu, the abducted principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, Oyo State, released a video pleading with Nigerians not to politicize their situation. She clarified that her abductors have not demanded Sharia law or a ransom of N1 billion, contrary to reports. Mrs. Alamu stated that the kidnappers' sole request is the release of some of their people. She urged the government to negotiate for their release and asked Nigerians to circulate her video to counter misinformation. Mrs. Alamu and over 40 pupils and teachers were kidnapped on Friday, May 15, 2026, during an attack on schools in the Oriire Local Government Area.
The Lagos State Police Command has reassured residents that there is no verified intelligence indicating an imminent attack on schools, following the circulation of a threatening notice. The notice, purportedly pasted at a school, warned of plans by bandits to abduct schoolchildren. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, stated that the Command has activated enhanced security measures across the affected area and other strategic locations. Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai has directed an immediate security assessment and ordered "watertight security measures" to protect schools, critical infrastructure, and communities. Police personnel, alongside other security agencies, have been deployed to strengthen security presence. The Command reiterated that Lagos remains secure and warned criminal elements against disrupting public peace, vowing to deal decisively with anyone found causing fear or panic. Residents are urged to support security agencies by providing credible information and reporting suspicious activities through emergency lines or the nearest police station. The Command assures Lagosians that all necessary measures are being taken to guarantee their safety and security.
Vice President Kashim Shettima described Lagos State as Africa's economic "live wire" at the Invest Lagos Summit 3.0. He praised the city's economic history, leadership, and role in national prosperity, stating that Lagos is where ideas are tested and national ambitions are refined into practical outcomes. Shettima credited Lagos for producing influential business figures, including Aliko Dangote and Abdulsamad Rabiu, Africa's richest and second richest men, respectively, emphasizing that they emerged from the Lagos economic environment. He also noted that Lagos has made "almost everybody who is who in Nigeria," adding, "I am also a Lagos boy." The Vice President highlighted Lagos as a model of governance and economic resilience, attributing its transformation to successive leadership, including the foundation laid by President Bola Tinubu. He stated that Lagos has evolved from facing severe urban challenges to becoming a major economic center, contributing significantly to Nigeria's GDP and hosting five of Africa's nine unicorn companies, all based in Lagos.