The Osun State Police Command has initiated an investigation into a suspected fraudulent scheme that has reportedly defrauded participants of over ₦22 million. The probe follows a petition submitted to the Commissioner of Police regarding allegations of obtaining money under false pretenses and theft.

The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Benjamin Segun Bright, is accused of orchestrating a program named the Farmer and Consumers Initiative, which he launched in May 2026. According to police reports, Bright claimed to have secured funding from philanthropists to provide grants of up to ₦3 million to selected groups of farmers. Participants were required to pay a ₦5,000 registration fee and recruit two additional individuals, each of whom was also expected to pay the same amount.

Under the terms of the initiative, participants were promised an initial payment of ₦50,000 within the first week, with subsequent payments of ₦100,000 and ₦200,000 leading up to the total grant amount. It is estimated that approximately 4,000 individuals registered for the program, contributing to a total of ₦22,329,050 paid to Bright.

Concerns about the legitimacy of the initiative arose, prompting the complainants to approach the police for further investigation. In a statement, the police revealed that their inquiries also uncovered Bright's involvement in the production and distribution of various herbal and chemical products, including Reumax Syrup, Kaye Bitters, and Herbal Tea. The police are now assessing whether these products were manufactured and distributed in compliance with relevant government regulations.

The case has been referred to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for additional scrutiny. Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Zungura has urged the public to exercise caution and thoroughly verify any grant or investment programs before participating. He assured that the investigation is ongoing and that appropriate legal actions will follow once the investigation concludes.