Senate orders crackdown on bandits flaunting crime cash on TikTok

Abeokuta, Ogun State | By Prime Brief Media

Suspected members of a transnational fraud syndicate arrested in Ogun State have claimed that their activities in Nigeria were coordinated by a Malaysian national who operated entirely online.

The suspects were arrested in the Agbado area of Ifo Local Government Area and were allegedly involved in a networking scheme known as "Ignite", through which foreign nationals were lured with promises of wealth and business opportunities.

One of the leaders, a 34‑year‑old from Burkina Faso, told investigators: "We took orders from Malaysia. Our boss is a Malaysian national, and I have never met him before. We only communicate on the internet." He claimed he had received only $90 before his arrest.

The syndicate also orchestrated a fake kidnapping plot involving a Mauritanian national to obtain 6.5 million CFA Franc from his family. The Mauritanian national was used as a pawn to convince his relatives that he had been kidnapped.

Police said the suspects used social media and encrypted messaging apps to coordinate with their Malaysian handler. Funds were transferred through cryptocurrency and informal channels.

The Ogun State Police Command has contacted international partners to assist in tracing the Malaysian national. The suspects are in custody and will be charged in court upon completion of investigations.

Prime Brief Media will continue to track this case.