By Dayo Johnson, Akure
The Ondo State Police Command has rescued 20 individuals allegedly held against their will in connection with a suspected Ponzi scheme in Akure, the state capital.
Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, revealed the development while parading suspects at the command headquarters. He said officers arrested a 26-year-old suspect, Sakariya Sadiq, for alleged involvement in fraud and unlawful detention.
According to Afolabi, the arrest followed complaints from parents whose children went missing after traveling to Akure from Osun and Oyo States in November 2024 in pursuit of job opportunities introduced by a friend.
“On April 24, 2025, acting on credible intelligence, the Command’s Surveillance Team located the victims in a residential building in Oba-Ile, Akure,” Afolabi said. “Twenty people were rescued during the operation, and the suspect, Sakariya Sadiq, was arrested at the scene.”
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were lured into a scheme known as “Quest International Company,” which promised high returns on investments. Each victim was reportedly asked to pay ₦1.5 million and recruit two more people to qualify. The suspect allegedly claimed the payments were for items such as Chi-pendants, Bio-Discs, and accommodation.
The police commissioner confirmed that the rescued individuals are receiving care and will be reunited with their families. He also noted that the suspect will be prosecuted once investigations are concluded.
In a separate case, the police arrested Iyabode Oluwakemi for allegedly defrauding job seekers by promising federal employment. One victim reported losing ₦5.3 million to her, while further investigation uncovered losses by several others totaling over ₦250 million. She was apprehended by detectives from the Special Enquiry Unit and will face charges following the conclusion of investigations.
In another operation, a 42-year-old man, Ayodele Temitope, was arrested for allegedly stealing a Dyna truck in Akure and selling it for ₦1.8 million in Ibadan. The police also recovered a Nissan Primera (LND 248 BF) and a Toyota Camry (KTU 235 GA), both reportedly stolen and found in Oyo State.
Commissioner Afolabi reiterated the command’s dedication to thorough investigations and the prosecution of all suspects involved in criminal activities.
