We Take Orders From Malaysia – Suspects Confess As Police Bust Major Fraud Syndicate In Ogun

According to Ireporter Online, the Ogun State Police Command has uncovered a transnational fraud syndicate allegedly operating under a networking scheme known as “Ignite,” with suspects claiming the operation was coordinated by a Malaysian national who communicated with members entirely online.

The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in the Agbado area of Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State. Police spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed in a statement on Monday that the group allegedly lured foreign nationals into Nigeria with promises of wealth and business opportunities, while running what authorities described as a fraudulent investment-style scheme.

Investigations revealed that victims from several African countries were allegedly induced to pay for products that were never delivered, while also being encouraged to recruit additional participants into the network. The command further alleged that the syndicate attempted to stage a fake kidnapping involving a Mauritanian national, Cheikh Mhedy, in a bid to extort 6.5 million CFA Franc from his family.

In his confessional statement on Friday, June 12, one of the alleged leaders, 34-year-old Zadariah Sawadogo from Burkina Faso, said he came to Nigeria in 2023 in search of better opportunities and was later introduced to the scheme by a friend identified as Sebasien.

Sawadogo claimed the entire operation was directed by a Malaysian-based operator whom he had never met in person. He stated that instructions were received strictly online and that members were required to recruit others and purchase products said to originate from Malaysia. He further alleged that despite investing funds, the promised products never arrived, and he had only received a small referral bonus of $90 before his arrest.

He also revealed that funds sent by his father in Côte d’Ivoire, reportedly proceeds from the sale of a piece of land valued at 1.6 million CFA Franc, were used to finance his involvement in the scheme, including rent and product payments.

Another suspect, 25-year-old Sole Nata, admitted to introducing the Mauritanian national to the scheme after meeting him online. She stated that she paid ₦500,000 on his behalf when he could not afford the entry cost. However, she alleged that the purported victim later orchestrated a fake kidnapping narrative, claiming ransom demands of 6.5 million CFA Franc from his father.

A third suspect, identified as Togolese artist Kuneji Ezekiel, described himself as a victim of the network, stating that he paid 400,000 CFA Franc for products he never received. He further alleged that about 50 individuals were living in the apartment where the scheme operated, with only the leaders communicating directly with the Malaysia-based coordinator.

Police authorities warned residents against falling victim to get-rich-quick networking schemes, reiterating the command’s commitment to dismantling fraudulent operations across the state. Babaseyi added that preliminary findings suggest some of those arrested may have been victims themselves and have since been transferred to the Nigerian Immigration Service for further profiling and action.