By Peace Udugba
The Ogun State Police Command has uncovered a transnational criminal syndicate involved in a sophisticated fake kidnapping scheme designed to extort ransom from unsuspecting families abroad, leading to the arrest of eight foreign nationals.
The suspects, identified as Zakaria Zawadogo (34) from Burkina Faso; Cheik El-Mehdi (23) from Mauritania; Suren Neta (25), Koffi Breno (36), Gondo Treso (32), Kougasi John, and Hemue Blinsi (30), all from Côte d’Ivoire; and Kunuji Ezekiel (27) from the Republic of Benin, were arrested during an intelligence-led operation in Adiyan Town, Agbado area of Ogun State.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, detectives attached to the Ifo Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Olabisi Kamorudeen, carried out the operation following credible intelligence and sustained surveillance into a reported kidnapping incident that was later discovered to be staged.
The breakthrough came after a report was received on June 6, 2026, from a concerned informant who alerted the police that a 23-year-old Mauritanian national, Cheik El-Mehdi, had contacted his family abroad in May, claiming he had been kidnapped in Nigeria and demanding ransom for his release.
Police investigations revealed that shortly after the initial contact, another suspect, Zakaria Zawadogo, reinforced the ransom demand by threatening that the purported victim would be killed if payment was not made.
Acting swiftly on the report, detectives launched an intelligence-driven investigation that traced the suspects to a hideout in Adiyan Town. Operatives subsequently arrested Zawadogo, who led investigators to the syndicate’s base, resulting in the arrest of El-Mehdi, Suren Neta, and five other foreign nationals.
All eight suspects were taken into custody, while the premises were secured and searched in accordance with due process.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the operation was a carefully coordinated criminal enterprise involving the deliberate staging of a kidnapping to defraud the victim’s family. Police further established that Suren Neta allegedly lured El-Mehdi into Nigeria, while Zawadogo coordinated the ransom demands and threats aimed at compelling payment.
Investigators also discovered that the supposed victim, El-Mehdi, actively participated in orchestrating the fake abduction.
The principal suspects — Zakaria Zawadogo, Cheik El-Mehdi, and Suren Neta — have reportedly confessed to their roles in the conspiracy. Authorities said further investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the syndicate’s operations and possible links to other transnational criminal networks.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further discreet investigation.
Commending the detectives for their professionalism and swift action, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the intelligence-led operation that exposed and dismantled the criminal network.
According to the Commissioner, the case highlights the growing sophistication of transnational criminal activities and underscores the Command’s commitment to proactive policing, intelligence gathering, and sustained operations against organised crime.
He reassured residents that Ogun State remains hostile to criminal elements and pledged continued collaboration with relevant agencies to enhance public safety and security.
The Command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, particularly cases involving alleged kidnappings and ransom demands.
