Police investigate N22.3m alleged fraud in Osun farmer grant scheme

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

A 49-year-old man, Benjamin Segun Bright, is under police investigation in Osun State over allegations that he collected N22.3 million from about 4,000 people under a purported farmer grant scheme.

The Osun State Police Command said the investigation followed a petition submitted to the office of the commissioner of police, alleging fraud, obtaining money by false pretences and stealing.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the suspect introduced the Farmer and Consumers Initiative in May 2026, claiming that he had been engaged by some philanthropists to assist selected groups of farmers with grants of up to N3 million each.

Ojelabi said participants were required to pay a registration fee of N5,000 and introduce two additional people into the programme, who were also required to pay the same registration fee.

Participants were reportedly promised an initial payment of N50,000 after the first week, followed by subsequent payments of N100,000 and N200,000 until the total sum of N3 million was reached. The police said about 4,000 people were reportedly registered through the complainants and allegedly fulfilled the stated requirements, while the complainants alleged that N22,329,050 was paid to the suspect in connection with the programme.

However, concerns later arose about the legitimacy of the initiative, prompting the complainants to petition the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura. The police said investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged scheme.

In the course of the investigation, the suspect was also allegedly discovered to be involved in the production and distribution of various 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.

The police said detectives were investigating whether the products were manufactured, registered, approved and distributed in compliance with applicable regulations, adding that the matter had been referred to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for necessary action.