11 Ghanaians Rescued in Ogun Visa Scam: 5 Things to Know
Police in Ogun State have rescued 11 Ghanaian nationals allegedly held against their will after being lured to Nigeria with promises of Canadian and Spanish visas. The victims reportedly paid GH₵40,000 each for overseas travel arrangements before they were brought to Sagamu, where police later rescued them.
The Ogun State Police Command said its Anti-Kidnapping Unit carried out the rescue after receiving intelligence on October 19, 2026.
The victims comprised seven men and four women. According to the police, preliminary investigations indicated that a fellow Ghanaian allegedly deceived them by promising to facilitate their travel abroad.
The police said the victims were receiving appropriate care and support, while detectives continued efforts to identify and apprehend other people connected with the alleged criminal network.
The incident highlights the risks associated with fraudulent overseas travel offers. Here are five things to know about the case and the warning it carries for people seeking visas.
1. Each victim reportedly paid GH₵40,000
According to the police, each of the 11 victims reportedly paid GH₵40,000 to the alleged facilitator.
This puts the total reported payment at GH₵440,000 in Ghanaian cedis.
The victims allegedly paid the money in exchange for assistance with obtaining Canadian and Spanish visas. However, the police said they were subsequently brought to Nigeria and held against their will.
The case illustrates how people seeking opportunities abroad can lose substantial sums to individuals who promise to arrange international travel.
The police have not announced the identities of all those allegedly involved or disclosed the full details of the arrangements.
2. The victims were rescued in Sagamu, Ogun State
The Ogun State Police Command said its Anti-Kidnapping Unit acted on intelligence received on October 19.
Officers mobilised to the identified location in Sagamu and rescued all 11 people.
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the officers for their response. He also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling transnational crime and protecting people from exploitation.
Meanwhile, the rescued Ghanaians were receiving care and support as investigations continued.
The police said they were working to track down and apprehend everyone connected with the alleged criminal network.
3. Visa promises can conceal fraudulent travel schemes
The case centres on promises to facilitate travel to Canada and Spain.
People seeking opportunities abroad may rely on agents to help them understand application procedures, prepare documents or arrange travel. However, an agent’s promise does not guarantee that a visa will be approved.
Fraudsters can exploit this uncertainty by presenting themselves as people with special connections or the ability to secure overseas travel.
Applicants should therefore distinguish between legitimate assistance with an application and claims that someone can guarantee a visa.
Before paying an agent, travellers should independently establish what service the person offers and whether the proposed process complies with the destination country’s immigration requirements.
4. Applicants should verify visa agents before making payments
The Ogun State Police Command urged members of the public to verify overseas travel and visa-processing arrangements before making payments.
Applicants can reduce their exposure to fraud by taking several precautions.
First, they should consult the official immigration or embassy website of their intended destination to understand the visa requirements.
Second, they should independently verify any travel agency or consultant and request a written agreement detailing the services and fees.
Third, they should be cautious of claims that a visa is guaranteed or that payment must be made urgently to secure an opportunity.
Applicants should also retain payment receipts, written agreements and messages exchanged with agents.
These precautions cannot eliminate every risk, but they can help people identify suspicious offers before committing their money.
5. Police investigations are continuing
The Ogun State Police Command said detectives were intensifying efforts to track down those allegedly involved in the scheme.
However, the available police statement does not establish the full extent of the alleged network or identify everyone suspected of participating.
The investigation is expected to help establish how the victims were recruited, the arrangements under which they travelled to Nigeria and who was responsible for holding them against their will.
The police have also urged the public to report suspicious activities and verify overseas travel arrangements before making payments.
For prospective migrants, the case serves as a reminder to approach international travel offers carefully. Promises of Canadian or Spanish visas should be checked against official requirements before money or travel documents are handed over to an intermediary.