The alleged owner of Global Food Initiative, a food business at the centre of a controversial advance-payment scheme in Osogbo, Osun State, has reportedly been arrested in Enugu State following weeks of uncertainty over customers’ payments.


According to a report by CityMirrorNews published on Friday, October 16, 2026, the suspect was arrested on Thursday, October 15, at an eatery in Enugu, where he was reportedly about to have a meal.


The report stated that the arrest followed efforts by the owner of the complex where Global Food Initiative operated in Osogbo, identified as Engr. Kayode, popularly known as Engr. Kay, to locate the suspect.


Engr. Kay was reportedly in Enugu with his wife when they visited a restaurant and his wife allegedly recognised the suspect. The police were subsequently alerted, leading to the suspect’s reported arrest.


According to the publication, the suspect reportedly confirmed to police officers that Engr. Kay was his landlord when questioned about their relationship. He was subsequently taken to a police station to make a statement concerning the allegations surrounding the business.


However, the suspect’s identity and the circumstances of the reported arrest had not been independently verified, while an official statement from the police was not available in the reports reviewed.


How the Osogbo Food Investment Controversy Began


Global Food Initiative reportedly commenced operations in the Odi-Olowo area of Osogbo in August 2026, attracting customers with offers of essential food items at prices significantly lower than prevailing market rates.


The business reportedly operated an advance-payment arrangement under which customers paid for food supplies and were expected to return after approximately seven days to collect their orders.


Items advertised or reportedly offered through the scheme included bags of rice, vegetable oil, spaghetti and semovita. The attractive prices drew residents and traders, some of whom saw the arrangement as an opportunity to purchase food items for resale.


However, concerns emerged in late September when customers who had paid for their orders reportedly returned to the business premises and found the outlet closed. Some customers subsequently claimed they could no longer reach the operators to obtain their goods or recover their money.


Reports by PUNCH and other Nigerian media outlets indicated that affected customers had paid substantial sums, with some transactions running into hundreds of thousands and millions of naira. One customer reportedly told PUNCH that she had paid ₦300,000 for 11 bags of rice.


The closure triggered anger among customers, who demanded explanations and the recovery of their payments. The situation later escalated, with residents reportedly breaking into and looting the warehouse where food items were stored.


Reported Arrest Raises Hopes of Answers for Customers


The reported arrest in Enugu could represent a significant development in efforts to establish what happened to the payments made by customers and determine the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the scheme.


Affected customers will be seeking clarification on whether their money or outstanding food orders can be recovered as investigations progress.


However, the allegations against the suspect have not been established in court, and the reported arrest should not be taken as proof of guilt.


Further confirmation from the police, including the suspect’s identity, the specific allegations under investigation and any steps being taken to address customers’ complaints, is still required.