By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Police Command
has apprehended a 49 year old man for allegedly obtaining money under fakes pretenses and stealing about 22 3 million from innocent people
Sources said the command has commenced full scale investigation into the money which the suspect allegedly obtained from participants in a purported farmers’ grant programme.
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Monday, the command said the investigation followed a petition submitted to the office of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura.
According to the police, preliminary findings showed that the suspect introduced an initiative known as the Farmer and Consumers Initiative in May 2026, claiming that he had been engaged by philanthropists to assist selected groups of farmers with grants of up to ₦3 million each.
The participants were reportedly required to pay a ₦5,000 registration fee and introduce two additional persons into the programme, who were also expected to pay the same amount.
The police said participants were allegedly promised an initial payment of ₦50,000 after the first week, followed by subsequent payments of ₦100,000 and ₦200,000 until each participant received a total of ₦3 million.
Based on the alleged representations, about 4,000 people were reportedly registered through the complainants after fulfilling the stated requirements.
The complainants further alleged that a total of ₦22,329,050 was paid to the suspect in connection with the programme.
However, the police said concerns later emerged over the legitimacy of the initiative, prompting the complainants to petition the Commissioner of Police and request an investigation.
The Command stressed that investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged scheme and determine whether any criminal offences had been committed.
In the course of the investigation, the suspect was also allegedly found to be involved in the production and distribution of several herbal and chemical products.
The products listed by the police include Reumax Syrup, Kaye Bitters, Ginger, Extra-Time Detoxpro, Herbal Blood Tonic, Atura Herbal Balm, Herbal Tea and Exotic Fruit Flavor.
The Command said its detectives were investigating whether the products were manufactured, registered, approved and distributed in compliance with relevant government regulations.
The matter has consequently been referred to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for necessary regulatory action.
The police emphasised that the case remained under active investigation, adding that appropriate action would be taken in accordance with the law after the conclusion of investigations and relevant legal and regulatory processes.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Zungura, also advised members of the public to exercise caution and conduct proper verification before investing in, registering for, or participating in grant, empowerment, investment and other programmes promising financial returns or benefits.
The Command urged members of the public to always verify the authenticity and regulatory status of such initiatives before committing their money.
