Police Probe Osun Man Over Alleged ₦22.3m Farmers’ Grant Scam

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

The Osun State Police Command has commenced investigation into a 49-year-old man, Benjamin Segun Bright, over an alleged ₦22.3 million fraud involving a purported farmers’ grant scheme.

Bright is being investigated following a petition submitted to the office of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura, alleging fraudulent acts, obtaining money by false pretences and stealing.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the suspect allegedly introduced a programme known as the Farmer and Consumers Initiative in May 2026.

Ojelabi said Bright allegedly claimed that he had been engaged by some philanthropists to assist selected groups of farmers with grants of up to ₦3 million each.

The police spokesman said participants were required to pay a registration fee of ₦5,000 and introduce two additional persons into the programme, who were also expected to pay the same amount.

The participants were allegedly promised an initial payment of ₦50,000 after the first week, followed by ₦100,000 and ₦200,000 in subsequent payments until each participant received a total of ₦3 million.

The Command said approximately 4,000 persons were reportedly registered through the complainants and allegedly fulfilled the conditions stipulated by the programme.

It added that the complainants alleged that a total of ₦22,329,050 was paid to the suspect in connection with the initiative.

However, concerns were later raised over the legitimacy of the programme, prompting the complainants to petition the Commissioner of Police, according to the statement.

The police said investigation was ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged scheme and determine the authenticity of the claims made by the suspect.

In a related development, the Command said its detectives allegedly discovered that Bright was also involved in the production and distribution of various 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.

Ojelabi said detectives were investigating whether the products were manufactured, registered, approved and distributed in compliance with relevant government regulations.

He added that the matter had been referred to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for necessary regulatory action.

The Command stressed that the case remained under active investigation, adding that appropriate action would be taken in accordance with the law after the conclusion of the investigation and relevant regulatory processes.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Zungura, meanwhile, advised members of the public to exercise caution and conduct proper verification before investing in, registering for or participating in grant, empowerment, investment or similar programmes promising financial returns or benefits.

The police urged members of the public to verify the authenticity of such schemes before committing their money.