Osun Police Arrest Philanthropist Over Alleged N22.3m Fraud Targeting 4,000 Farmers

The Osun State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old philanthropist, Benjamin Segun Bright, for allegedly defrauding about 4,000 farmers in the state under the pretense of giving them grants.

The police alleged that the suspect introduced a programme known as the Farmer and Consumers Initiative in May, claiming that he had been engaged by unnamed philanthropists to provide grants of up to N3 million each to selected farmers.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said participants were required to pay a registration fee of N5,000 and recruit two additional persons, who were also expected to pay the same amount.

According to the police, participants were promised an initial payment of N50,000 after one week, followed by N100,000 and N200,000 instalments until they received the purported N3 million grant.

Ojelabi said about 4,000 persons allegedly registered for the programme through the complainants and fulfilled the requirements, adding that a total of N22,329,050 was allegedly paid to the suspect in connection with the scheme.

He said concerns over the legitimacy of the initiative later prompted the complainants to petition the Commissioner of Police.

The police spokesman said investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged scheme.

He added that detectives, during the investigation, discovered that the suspect was involved in the production and distribution of herbal and chemical products, including Reumax Syrup, Kaye Bitters, Ginger, Extra-Time Detoxpro, Herbal Blood Tonic, Atura Herbal Balm, Herbal Tea and Exotic Fruit Flavor.

According to him, the police were investigating whether the products were manufactured, registered, approved and distributed in compliance with relevant government regulations.

The matter has been appropriately referred to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) for necessary attention, Ojelabi said.

He said the case remained under the investigation and that appropriate action would be taken in accordance with the law upon its conclusion and subject to the outcome of relevant legal and regulatory processes.

The police advised residents to be wary of schemes that demands registration fees or other payment in exchange for promised financial returns.