Ogun Police Warn Residents Against Surge In Online Fraud, Fake Job And Visa Scams
The Ogun State Police Command has issued a strong warning to residents over the growing wave of online fraud and cyber scams, including fake dating platforms, visa rackets, and employment offers designed to defraud unsuspecting victims.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Omolola Odutola, released the advisory on Wednesday, urging members of the public to exercise “utmost caution and vigilance” when engaging with individuals or organisations online.
According to Odutola, the warning followed multiple reports of cyber-fraud cases currently being investigated by the Ogun State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). One of the incidents under probe involves a victim identified as Chidi Igwilo, who was allegedly duped of ₦5.6 million by scammers posing as representatives of a construction company based in Côte d’Ivoire.
Igwilo was reportedly promised a driving job in the United States after paying various charges, including flight fees and a Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), only to later discover that the entire operation was fraudulent. His brother, Okechukwu Igwilo, told reporters that after sending the money, the family lost contact with Chidi for several weeks until he was later sighted in a camp in Ogun State, confirming he had been a victim of a sophisticated scam.
Reacting to the development, CSP Odutola confirmed that the Command is investigating the matter alongside other similar cases. She advised residents to avoid clicking on suspicious links, sharing their BVN, NIN, or bank details, or responding to unsolicited calls and messages from unknown individuals claiming to represent financial institutions or government agencies.
She said, “Investigations into these and other related cases are ongoing. Members of the public must remain cautious. Elderly citizens should consult trusted relatives before providing any personal or banking information.”
Odutola noted that the Command has identified several forms of fraud currently circulating, including visa and travel assistance scams, fake recruitment offers, counterfeit educational sponsorships, dating and relationship scams, and deceptive investment schemes such as QNET.
She added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, has directed investigators to study the growing trend of cybercrime in the state to ensure effective prevention and prosecution.
“The Ogun State Police Command remains fully committed to safeguarding lives and property. We urge residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station,” she said.
This warning comes amid a rise in cyber-fraud cases across Nigeria. In recent months, several citizens have fallen victim to similar scams, including a Ghanaian national, Sammed Iddrisu, who was rescued in Abuja in June 2025 after being deceived with a fake promise of a French visa.
