Ondo Police Rescue 20 Victims Held Hostage by Ponzi Scheme Syndicate, Nab Suspects
The Ondo State Police Command says it has rescued 20 persons allegedly held hostage by a Ponzi scheme syndicate in the Oba-Ile area of Akure North Local Government Area.
Parading the suspect before journalists on Friday in Akure, the state commissioner of police, Wilfred Afolabi, disclosed that the victims were lured into a fraudulent investment platform known as “Quest International Company” under the guise of high returns on investment.
According to the police, the victims were subsequently coerced into paying N1.5 million each and instructed to refer two additional members to gain full access to the group’s supposed benefits. Once they were recruited, however, the victims were cut off from their families and detained against their will.
“On April 24, 2025, our surveillance team, through intelligence-led policing, tracked the victims to a residence in Oba-Ile where they were being held,” Afolabi said.
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The police arrested one suspect, identified as Sakariya Sadiq, who is believed to be the ringleader of the syndicate. The rescued individuals include Rafiu Kehinde, Adebayo Nafisat, Mohammed Aishat, Jesujuwon Osuntoki, Mustapha Gbolahan, Ibukun Samuel, and several others.
In a related development, Afolabi also announced the arrest of Oyebode Oluwakemi for allegedly defrauding several individuals of N250 million by promising them federal government employment.
The command also apprehended two suspected armed robbers, Dele Jacob (38) and Idowu Dada (35), for allegedly stealing building materials and household items across the state. Another suspect, Ayodele Temitope, was arrested in connection with a stolen vehicle.
“These successes—ranging from the dismantling of fraud networks and rescue of kidnapped victims to the arrest of robbers and cultists—reflect the commitment of the command to ensuring safety and security in Ondo State,” the commissioner added.
The police urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement authorities.
By PRNigeria
