Ogun police rescue 11 Ghanaians held in Sagamu over Canada, Spain visa scam
- Ogun police say 11 Ghanaians were held against their will in Sagamu after being promised Canadian and Spanish visas.
- Each victim reportedly paid GH₵40,000 to a fellow Ghanaian before travelling to Nigeria, police said.
- The Anti-Kidnapping Unit rescued seven men and four women on 19 October; no arrests have been announced.
Police in Ogun State have rescued 11 Ghanaian nationals who were allegedly held against their will in Sagamu after being promised visas to Canada and Spain.
The Ogun State Police Command said in a statement on Tuesday that the group, seven men and four women, was freed by its Anti-Kidnapping Unit after intelligence was received on 19 October 2026.
According to the command's spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, the victims were allegedly deceived by a fellow Ghanaian who promised to arrange their travel abroad. Each reportedly paid GH₵40,000 before being brought to Nigeria, where police say they were held against their will.
The police did not say how long the group was held, where exactly in Sagamu they were kept, or whether anyone has been arrested. The command said detectives are working to track down and arrest those linked to the alleged network.
Why it matters for travellers
The case is a reminder of how migration dreams can be used as bait. Police urged Nigerians and other residents to confirm that any visa or travel offer is genuine before paying money to individuals or agencies.
Ogun State Police Commissioner Bode Ojajuni praised the unit for its quick response and said the command would keep working to stop the state from becoming a base for criminals who prey on people's hopes.
“No safe haven for criminals who exploit the hopes of others,” Ojajuni said, according to the statement.
The police said the rescued Ghanaians are receiving care and support. They also asked residents to report suspicious activity, saying tips from the public remain central to their work.
What happens next
The command said its investigation continues and that it is working with other agencies on the case. No suspect has been named, and no one has been charged in connection with the allegations.
